Hundreds queue in Hong Kong to glimpse Van Gogh painting unseen in public for 60 years
Painted in May 1890, 'Châtaigniers en fleurs' is among Van Gogh’s most significant final works, completed about two months before his death.
Hordes of eager art enthusiasts gathered in Hong Kong on Tuesday to catch a glimpse of a rare Vincent van Gogh masterpiece that has been hidden from public view for over half a century. The painting, titled "Châtaigniers en fleurs" or "Chestnut Trees in Blossom," is expected to fetch around US$180 million in an upcoming Sotheby's auction in New York, making it a crucial test for the high-end art market amidst global economic uncertainties.
Painted in May 1890, during the final days of Van Gogh's life in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, this significant work is seen as one of the artist's most prized creations. Sotheby's New York department head Scott Niichel expressed his excitement, stating that this moment embodies the artist's characteristic optimism, energy, enthusiasm, passion, and vibrant color.
Van Gogh's final period in Auvers-sur-Oise, following his release from a psychiatric asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, saw the creation of few artworks, making this painting particularly rare and valuable. The auction will attract collectors, museums, and investors eager to acquire a piece of art history.
A 50-year-old art enthusiast, Li Shanshan, who traveled from Shenzhen to see the painting, expressed her amazement, saying she had never heard of this work before and was eager to view it in person. "Châtaigniers en fleurs" depicts a majestic blossoming chestnut tree, dominating the composition with its impressive canopy.
The painting, which has passed through several hands since Van Gogh's death in 1890, was initially owned by his brother Theo, then his brother's widow Johanna van Gogh-Bonger and her son Vincent Willem. It later changed hands to German publisher Samuel Fischer, American songwriter and film producer Buddy DeSylva, and collector Harriet Harris-Jonas.
The Blaquier family acquired the painting from Wildenstein in 1975, and it will now be part of a collection of 12 long-unseen artworks, including pieces by Paul Cezanne and Claude Monet.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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