Television producer Ryan Murphy made headlines this week after purchasing Simone Leigh’s sculpture “Sphinx” for $889,000 at a Sotheby’s auction held in New York. The auction featured high-profile art pieces, including a record-breaking sale of a work by Gustav Klimt that fetched $236.4 million, marking it as the second-most expensive painting sold at auction.
The sale, which took place on November 15, 2023, was notable not only for its high-value artworks but also for its venue, Sotheby’s new Breuer Building location. This inaugural evening of Breuer sales reached a staggering $706 million, setting a new record for a single night of auctions.
Among the standout pieces was Klimt’s “Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer,” which played a crucial role in the auction’s success. It was part of the late Leonard Lauder’s estate, who passed away in June 2023. Lauder, a prominent figure in the cosmetics industry, was known for his extensive art collection, and the auction attracted significant attention from collectors worldwide.
Murphy, known for his influential work in television, was seen placing the winning bid for Leigh’s “Sphinx,” a 2021 creation that combines bronze and platinum leaf. The significance of Leigh’s work extends beyond its aesthetic appeal; the artist’s pieces often explore themes related to Black feminist thought. According to Sotheby’s website, her art draws on historical periods and artistic traditions from Africa and the African diaspora, merging the female body with domestic vessels to highlight unacknowledged acts of labor and care, particularly for Black women.
While Murphy’s recent television series, “All’s Fair,” starring Kim Kardashian, has received mixed reviews from critics, the producer’s art investment reflects his ongoing engagement with contemporary culture. The series appears to have found its audience, demonstrating that Murphy’s appeal remains strong among viewers.
The auction also featured the infamous golden toilet by artist Maurizio Cattelan, titled “America,” which sold for $12.1 million to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!. This piece has gained notoriety not only for its artistic value but also for the theft of a previous version from Blenheim Palace in England in 2019. Two individuals were convicted of the theft earlier this year, but the stolen toilet remains missing.
Overall, Sotheby’s recent auction exemplifies the high stakes and dynamic nature of the contemporary art market. With record sales and a diverse range of artworks, it continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
