Arts Dead Heat
Today’s NYT has this headline: “In the Race for the Millions, 2 Paintings Come in Tied,” above these images:
With the caption: A large detail of Roy Lichtenstein’s “Sinking Sun,” left, and Willem de Kooning’s “Untitled XVI.” Each sold for $15.6 million last night.
I love the proposition that these two pieces are exactly equally valuable.
(Quick compare:
Sinking Sun, 1964, 5 1/2 feet by 6 1/2 feet, oil and magna on canvas, machinism/appropriation/Pop.
Untitled XVI, 1975, 5 3/4 by 6 1/2 feet, oil on canvas, pure expressionism.)
pop art vs painting. hmmm, these days that kinda scratch for each...I'd reckon sounds about right.