Pablo Picasso's 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' | 2010 World Auction Record | Christie's

Christie's
5 May 201008:49

TLDRIn a thrilling auction at Christie's, Pablo Picasso's 1932 masterpiece 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' was sold for a record-breaking $95 million, marking a significant moment in the art world. The intense bidding war involved multiple participants, both in the room and via telephone, as the price climbed steadily from $58 million to the final astonishing sum. This historic sale not only highlighted the enduring appeal of Picasso's work but also reaffirmed the strength of the global art market.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 Pablo Picasso's painting 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' was part of a 2010 auction at Christie's.
  • 🏆 The artwork achieved a world auction record in 2010, highlighting its significance in the art market.
  • 💰 The bidding started at $58 million and escalated rapidly, indicating high demand and interest from collectors.
  • 🔼 The auctioneer described the bidding process, with multiple bids increasing in increments of 1 million dollars.
  • 🌟 The painting was present in the room, with the auctioneer referring to it being on his left and displayed on the screen on his right.
  • 🔄 The bidding involved a dynamic interaction between those present in the room and those bidding over the telephone.
  • 📈 The price climbed steadily, reaching $65 million, then $66 million, and continuing to rise as new bidders entered.
  • 🤝 There was competition between bidders named Ken, Bret, and Nick, as well as others, showcasing a global interest in the artwork.
  • 🏆 The final bid reached $95 million, with Nick being the winning bidder at this price point.
  • 🎉 The auctioneer's announcement of the final bid and sale created a sense of achievement and closure for the auction of this masterpiece.
  • 🌐 The record-breaking sale of 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' underscored the enduring appeal and value of Picasso's work on the international stage.

Q & A

  • Which artwork is being discussed in the transcript?

    -The artwork being discussed is 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' by Pablo Picasso.

  • In what year was the painting 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' created?

    -The painting was created in 1932.

  • What is significant about the 2010 auction of 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust'?

    -The 2010 auction is significant because it set a world record for the highest price ever paid for a painting at auction.

  • Who is the auctioneer mentioned in the transcript?

    -The auctioneer is not specifically named in the transcript, but they are facilitating the bidding process for the Picasso painting.

  • What is the starting bid mentioned for the Picasso painting?

    -The starting bid mentioned is fifty-eight million dollars.

  • What is the final selling price of 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' in this auction?

    -The final selling price of the painting is ninety-five million dollars.

  • How many bidders are actively participating in the auction as mentioned in the transcript?

    -There are multiple bidders mentioned, including those in the room and on the telephones, but the exact number is not specified.

  • What is the role of the telephone bidders in the auction?

    -The telephone bidders are participating remotely and placing bids against those present in the room, contributing to the competitive bidding process.

  • What does the auctioneer do when announcing the bids?

    -The auctioneer announces the bids, provides fair warning before finalizing the sale, and ensures a transparent and organized bidding process.

  • What is the significance of the bidding increments mentioned in the transcript?

    -The bidding increments show the escalating competition among bidders and the high demand for the Picasso painting.

  • How does the auctioneer handle the final moments of the bidding?

    -The auctioneer provides fair warning, indicating the final chance for bidders to increase their offers before the item is sold.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Auction of Picasso's Nude Green Leaves and Bust

The first paragraph describes an intense auction scene for Picasso's renowned 'Nude Green Leaves and Bust' painting. The bidding starts at fifty-eight million dollars and escalates rapidly, with multiple bidders in the room and on the telephones. The auctioneer energetically engages the participants, announcing the increasing bids and the bidders they are against. The atmosphere is charged as the price soars to sixty-five million and continues to climb, highlighting the high value and desirability of the artwork.

05:06

💰 Bidding War Reaches New Heights

The second paragraph continues the narrative of the auction, with the bidding war reaching new heights. The participants, including Ken, Nick, and Mark, are engaged in a fierce competition, with bids jumping from 90 million to 95 million dollars. The auctioneer's dynamic announcements create a sense of urgency and excitement. The paragraph captures the drama and tension of the auction, emphasizing the significant financial commitment of the bidders and their determination to secure the prized Picasso painting.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer who spent most of his adult life in France. He is one of the most recognized figures in 20th-century art and is celebrated for co-founding the Cubist movement as well as for his contributions to modern art. In the context of this video, Picasso is the artist of the painting 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' which is being auctioned.

💡Nude, Green Leaves and Bust

This is the title of a painting by Pablo Picasso, created in 1932. It is a significant work in his oeuvre, showcasing his unique style and mastery of form. The painting features a nude woman with green leaves and a bust, which is indicative of Picasso's experimental phase. In the video, this painting is the central focus as it is being auctioned, setting a world record in 2010.

💡World Auction Record

A world auction record refers to the highest price ever achieved for an item or artwork at an auction. It is a significant milestone in the art world, reflecting the value and desirability of the piece. In this video, 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' by Picasso sets a new world auction record, indicating its exceptional cultural and monetary value.

💡Christie's

Christie's is a renowned international auction house specializing in fine art, decorative arts, jewelry, and collectibles. Founded in 1766 by James Christie in London, it has since become a symbol of high-end art sales and a key player in the art market. In the video, Christie's is the auction house where the record-breaking sale of Picasso's 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' takes place.

💡Catalog

In the context of an auction, a catalog is a publication that lists and describes the items for sale, providing details such as the estimated value, dimensions, provenance, and sometimes a detailed history of the item. The catalog mentioned in the script is likely the Christie's auction catalog that includes the listing for Picasso's painting and provides essential information to potential bidders.

💡Bidding

Bidding is the process of offering a price for an item or service with the intention of purchasing it if the offer is accepted. In the context of an auction, bidding is a competitive process where multiple parties offer increasing amounts until the highest bidder wins the item. The script describes a lively bidding war for Picasso's painting, with multiple bidders competing to secure the artwork.

💡Million dollars

The term 'million dollars' refers to the currency amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000). In the context of the video, it is used to denote the high-value bids being placed for Picasso's painting. The escalating bids in millions of dollars underscore the painting's extreme value and the intense competition among bidders.

💡Room

In the context of the auction described in the script, 'room' refers to the physical space where the auction is taking place. It is where the auctioneer stands and conducts the sale, and where bidders are present to participate in the bidding process. The term is used to distinguish between bids placed in-person and those made over the telephone or through other remote methods.

💡Telephones

In the auction context, 'telephones' refers to the method by which bidders who are not physically present in the auction room can participate. They communicate their bids to a representative who then conveys them to the auctioneer. The script mentions telephone bids, indicating that some bidders are participating remotely but are still actively engaged in the competitive bidding process for the Picasso painting.

💡New bidder

A 'new bidder' is a person who enters the bidding process with a fresh offer, often at a higher price than the current bid. Their participation can drive up the price of the item and add excitement to the auction. In the script, the announcement of a 'new bidder' signifies an increase in the competitive nature of the auction and contributes to the rising value of the Picasso painting.

💡Fair warning

In the context of an auction, 'fair warning' is a phrase used by the auctioneer to indicate that they are about to bring the item up for final bids and to encourage any interested bidders to make their final offers. It is a standard procedure to ensure that all potential buyers have an opportunity to bid before the item is sold. In the script, 'fair warning' is used to create a sense of urgency and to signal that the auctioneer is preparing to conclude the bidding for Picasso's painting.

💡Selling

The term 'selling' in the context of an auction refers to the finalization of a sale, where the auctioneer announces that a particular bid has been accepted and the item is sold to the highest bidder. This marks the end of the bidding process and the successful transfer of ownership of the item. In the script, the auctioneer's statement 'selling it this time' indicates that the final bid has been accepted and the painting 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' by Picasso is sold.

Highlights

Picasso's 'Nude, Green Leaves and Bust' is a remarkable piece of art.

The painting was created in 1932, a significant year in Picasso's career.

The auction took place in 2010, setting a world record.

The starting bid was an impressive $58 million.

Bidding was intense, with multiple bidders in the room and on the phone.

The price quickly escalated, reaching $60 million, then $61 million.

Bids continued to rise, surpassing $70 million and $80 million marks.

The auctioneer's skillful pacing kept the room engaged and competitive.

The bidding war reached a climax as the price went above $90 million.

Nick, one of the bidders, showed strong determination and persistence.

The final bid of $95 million was a testament to the painting's value.

The auctioneer's announcement of the final bid was met with anticipation and excitement.

The painting's sale marked a significant moment in the art world.

The record-breaking price underscored the enduring appeal of Picasso's work.

The auction showcased the power of art as an investment and cultural icon.

The event was a testament to Christie's reputation as a premier auction house.

The painting's sale was a major news story, highlighting the intersection of art and finance.

The auctioneer's final call of 'sold' signified the transfer of a masterpiece to its new owner.