Gerhard Richter
Abstract Painting (809-4) . 1994
canvas. 225 x 200
Sotheby's. 12.10.2012
Estimate: 9-12 million pounds
Result: 21.3 million pounds
Source: sothebys.com

Last Friday, October 12, at the auction of contemporary art at Sotheby's in London," Abstract Painting (809-4) " Gerhard Richter was sold for 21.3 million pounds (34.2 million dollars), well above estimate 9-12 million pounds. Thus, not only was surpassed previous personal record for the works of the German artist ( 21.8 million dollars for " abstract painting (798-3) "at Christie's auction May 8, 2012 ), but also set a new auction record for works by living artists.

Painting - Friday's record-holder Trading was the latest in a series of four "abstract paintings" at number 809, created by Richter in 1994. Its predecessor (809-3) is jointly owned by Tate and National Galleries of Scotland. Bright abstraction 809-4 in red, yellow and dark blue in 2001 for $ 3.4 million acquired British rock musician Eric Clapton. Some simple math shows that for more than ten years, the price pattern has grown tenfold.

In late "abstract paintings" Gerhard Richter has all the data to ensure that hold high interest collectors: five months (from May to October 2012), a record rate for the work in this series has increased by 40%(from 21.8 to 34.2 million). And the more, the greater the interest in them - experts say. These colorful abstraction convenient format will decorate the interior of any of the rich houses, boats, etc. "abstract paintings" contain no provocation (in contrast to the earlier works of Richter's troubled political and other subjects), ie, can not offend anyone's feelings. However, it is recognizable images, from the status of things. Cynics add that the benefit of "abstract art" and said the age of the artist. Richter already over 80, and in the coming years, we can hardly expect a large influx of new work. So, pre-written works will only add to the cost. Collectors are attracted to the fact that all work is carried out strict control Richter; provenance of each work can be easily traced. And, finally, "abstract paintings" makes so attractive in terms of investment international demand. The works in this series like Europeans and Koreans, and Brazilians, and Russian. By the way, according to The Telegraph browser Georgina Adam (Georgina Adam), the purchaser of the "abstract painting (809-4)" for 21.3 million pounds was our compatriot.

Material prepared by Maria Onuchina, AI

Sources : artdaily.com , telegraph.co.uk , artmarketmonitor.com , artinvestment.ru