Regional News
November 20, 2008 10:08 PM
This month, a new record price was set at auction for the sale of a painting.
Ronald Lauder paid $135 million for Adel Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt. Two years earlier the painting was bought for $94 million, netting the undisclosed owner $41 million.
Previous record holders include:
• 2004 Pablo Picasso’s Boy with a Pipe at $104.1 million.
• 1990 Vincent van Gogh’s Irises for $53.9 million.
• 1987 Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers for $39.9 million.
• 1985 Andrea Mantegna’s Adoration of the Magi for $12 million.
• 1980 J.M.W. Turner’s Juliet and Her Nurse for $7 million.
• 1970 Diego Velazquez’s Portrait of Juan de Pareja for $5.5 million.
• 1961 Rembrandt van Rijn’s Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer for $2.3 million.
This means that in the past 45 years, the record price for art has increased by 13,000 per cent.
The world’s most expensive painting is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Based on insurance value, its price tag is $670 million (US)
Source: Wikipedia, Guinness World Records
York Region Art Gallery attractions include:
The Latcham Gallery, 6240 Main St., Stouffville, 905-640-8954 This public art gallery features monthly exhibitions of original art, including painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media and photography. Enjoy the outdoor sculpture walk along Duffin’s Creek. Workshops, lectures and special activities throughout the year. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Georgina Arts Centre & Gallery, 149 High St., Sutton 905-722-9587 The gallery presents at least 12 different artists every year and features its private Smith/Chiarandini collection. Bruce Smith, a highly respected artist, was a student of Albert Chiarandini’s who painted with the Group of Seven. Art classes and workshops are offered for all ages and levels. The gift shop sells unique gifts and local art.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 10365 Islington Ave., Kleinburg 905-893-1121 or 1-888-213-1121The McMichael Canadian Art Collection features a magnificent collection by Group of Seven, First Nations, Inuit and contemporary Canadian artists. The gallery is nestled in 100 acres of stunning woodland with nature trails, picnic areas and outdoor sculptures. The Gallery Shop, featuring one-of-a-kind handcrafted items, completes the authentic Canadian experience. Open year-round, seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer.
The Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery of Markham, 216 Main St., Unionville 905-477-9511, ext. 211 (info) ext. 228. (tours) The Varley art gallery in Unionville includes the historic 1840 Kathleen McKay house, now the McKay Art Centre, that was the home of Frederick Horsman Varley for the past 12 years of his life, before he died in 1969. Exhibitions from the permanent collection, as well as contemporary exhibitions from local, national and international artists.
The centre has dynamic hands-on art-related activities, including group tours, school programs, studio courses and workshops, courses and lectures and family activities.
Guided and self-guided tours are available to groups of 10 or more people, Wednesday through Sunday during public gallery hours (1 to 1-1/2 hours in length).
Open winters Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays noon to 4 p.m.; spring and fall open till 5 p.m.; summer hours daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Admission: adults, $4; seniors and students, $3; families, $10.