Record amount for Degas: at Christie's, the master's sculpture was sold for $41.6 million

Last week at Christie's auction was sold sculpture by French impressionist Edgar Degas "Little Dancer of Fourteen". It was owned by the late Ann Bass, who was an investment, sculpture and painting collector and was known for her philanthropic work in the art world. The cost of the lot during the auction rose to 41.6 million dollars, thus breaking the record: in 2015, another work by Degas went under the hammer for 24.8 million dollars, becoming at that time the most expensive work of the master and holding this bar for seven years . Ann Bass acquired her sculpture from Sandra Payson, daughter of industrialist Charles Payson, who was also a well-known philanthropist.

The artist worked on this sculpture for two years, from 1879 to 1881. He used wax as the main material, which was very unusual. The master was offered to make a bronze version, but he always refused. After his death, copies were made, cast in bronze, in total 28 statuettes are exhibited in various museums around the world. A bold decision was the use of clothing: a bodice, a tutu and ballet flats. The wig was also made from real hair. Today, this figure occupies a place of honor among the most realistic sculptures of modern art. Little is known about the model who posed for the artist. It was a girl from a poor family named Marie van Goetem, who may have been looking for a patron who would help her break into high society. We remind you that on Violity you can find sculptures and other works of art.