2019 #ReUp: Art masterpieces that fetched millions in the past year

The jury is still out on whether 2019 has been a good year for art. If you are a connoisseur, here’s a quiz to check if you are in step with the key moments when billionaires acquired these masterpieces at auctions.
'Buffalo II’ by Robert Rauschenberg
In 1964 in New York, Robert Rauschenberg finalised ‘Buffalo II’, one of the largest in his celebrated series of silkscreen paintings that captured the social, political and artistic zeitgeist of the decade. It is believed that this monumental work was snapped up by none other than Alice Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune, at the Christie’s auction. Do you know how much it sold for?
a) $80.8 million
b) $85.8 million
c) $88.8 million
d) $90.8 million



'Devolved Parliament’ by Banksy
For the second year in a row, Banksy dominated the Sotheby’s Frieze Week evening sale of contemporary art in London. This time, without the drama of ‘shredding’. Art enthusiasts would recall the sale of the painting, ‘Girl with Balloon’ by the street artist last year. As soon as the gavel fell on that sale, a built-in shredder got activated and the work went in self-destruct mode. No such drama with the sale of this artwork, except the one related to high pricing.
Do you know how much it sold for?
a) $12 million
b) $14 million
c) $16 million
d) $18 million



‘Knife Behind Back’ by Yoshitomo Nara
Political unrest wasn’t the only reason why Hong Kong made news this year. Sale of Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara’s painting at a Sotheby’s auction in the country also contributed to the headlines. This painting was executed in the watershed year of 2000 in Nara’s oeuvre. It was the year he finally returned to Japan after 12 years in Germany.
Do you know how much it sold for?
a) $20 million
b) $22 million
c) $23 million
d) $25 million



‘Meules’ by Claude Monet
A new world record for this French impressionist painter only reiterates his enduring popularity. A part of the artist’s famed Haystacks series, with its unique perspective, dynamic composition, and vibrant paint palette, Meules is considered a classic piece within the series. This was the first time the work had come to auction since 1986. In just eight minutes, six bidders fought fervently for the masterpiece.
Do you know how much it sold for?
a) $110.7 million
b) $111.7 million
c) $112.7 million
d) $114.7 million



'Hurting the Word Radio #2’ by Ed Ruscha
This one is an early example of American painter Ruscha’s text paintings. The artist has, in fact, been credited with having invented an entire genre: Paintings consisting solely of text, either single words or phrases. The painting’s sale set a new record for the artist this year and served as a rejoinder for art market pessimists. Do you know how much it sold for?
a) $51.5 million
b) $52.5 million
c) $54.8 million
d) $55.5 million



‘Rabbit’ by Jeff Koons
Bidding for this three-foot tall stainless steel sculpture, reminiscent of a silver balloon animal, was a perfect chance to own a piece by an artist, who has a penchant for courting controversy. Clue for this one: The sale price of ‘Rabbit’ ensured that the work is now officially the world’s most expensive work by a living artist. It surpassed a previous record set by painter David Hockney’s ‘Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)’ for this honour.
Do you know how much it sold for?
a) $81 million
b) $85.1 million
c) $91 million
d) $95.1 million.



Answers
Buffalo II by Robert Rauschenberg
Correct answer: c) $88.8 million
Devolved Parliament by Banksy
Correct answer: a) $12 million
Knife Behind Back by Yoshitomo Nara
Correct answer: d) $25 million
Meules by Claude Monet
Correct answer: a) $110.7 million
Hurting the Word Radio #2 by Ed Ruscha
Correct answer: b) $52.5 million
Rabbit by Jeff Koons
Correct answer: c) $91 million