At Christie's auction in Paris, the four-meter painting titled "California" by French artist Yves Klein was sold for 18.4 million euros, approximately 19.6 million dollars. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This price is the highest amount ever paid for the artist's works. The piece was created in 1961 by Yves Klein using his distinctive ultramarine shade – International Klein Blue.
The "California" painting holds a special place among Klein's works and is one of the few pieces named after it. The painting's title was given in honor of the state of California.
The artist first exhibited this work in that state during his only trip to the United States. Previously, the painting was displayed at the Leo Castelli Gallery in New York City.
This gallery was considered one of the important art centers of that time. After Yves Klein passed away in 1962, the painting changed several owners, including being purchased by Swiss collector Georges Marsy.
In 2005, the "California" painting was acquired by the Pace Gallery in New York, temporarily loaned to the Metropolitan Museum, and exhibited there until 2008. According to ARTnews, the painting previously belonged to George David, former head of United Technologies.
Through his company, he financed major exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum dedicated to Van Gogh and Jasper Johns.
