Gustav Klimt’s last portrait is expected to fetch US$80 million (£65m) at Sotheby’s London Modern and Contemporary Evening Auction on June 27.
Lady with a Fan, was in his studio when he died at age 55 in February 1918. It depicts a dark-haired woman set against a yellow backdrop along with colorful birds and lotus flowers reflecting Asian-inspired influences.
Klimt first started on the portrait, the sitter for which is not known, when he was already considered among the most sought-after and celebrated portraitists in Europe. However, this was a rare work painted entirely in the pursuit of his own interests, the auction house said.
Lady with a Fan was last auctioned by Sotheby’s New York in 1994, when it was acquired by the family of the consignor, who wasn’t identified.
More information: https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/klimts-phoenix?locale=en
