['The Last da Vinci' makes auction history] -Lesson 2 / English Today-
A long-lost painting by Leonardo da Vinci has sold at auction for $450 million, making it the most expensive work of art ever sold. The price, including fees, was more than double the previous record amount, which was paid for a painting by Pablo Picasso.
The auction house Christie's says the portrait of Jesus Christ is the only privately owned da Vinci painting among some 16 known to exist.
Christie's did not identify the winning bidder at Wednesday's auction in New York. It later confirmed reports that Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism has acquired the piece.
The Renaissance master is believed to have painted "Salvator Mundi," Latin for "Savior of the World," in around 1500, before he created his most iconic work, the "Mona Lisa."
"Salvator Mundi" was listed as a work in the British royal family's collection in the 17th century. It disappeared from records in the mid-18th century and was rediscovered in 1900. For many years, the painting was not considered an original da Vinci. Experts confirmed its authenticity in 2011. (2017/11/4, NHK World)
[Discussion]
Hannah: That's amazing that they actually found a lost da Vinci painting! I'm not surprised it sold for more than double the previous record amount. Something like that is priceless!
Sam: I wonder what da Vinci would have thought if he had been told his artwork would sell like that?
Hannah: I imagine he wouldn't believe it.
Sam: It just goes to show that you never know what your impact will be on future generations.
Hannah: Yup, all we can do is our best in the time we have now.
Sam: Agreed.
◆見出し['The Last da Vinci' makes auction history]
="The Last da Vinci (painting)" has made auction history.
■[sell]「売れる」
A long-lost painting by Leonardo da Vinci has sold at auction for $450 million, making it the most expensive work of art ever sold.
⇒Whenever a product is advertised on TV, it sells well the next day.
■[more than double]「2倍を超える(=2倍は含まない)」
The price, including fees, was more than double the previous record amount, which was paid for a painting by Pablo Picasso.
⇒Custom-made shoes may cost more than three times the price of regular ones, but they fit perfectly.
■[identify]「(誰であるのかを)明らかにする」
Christie's did not identify the winning bidder at Wednesday's auction in New York.
★[icon]図形・記号・表示記号、肖像・(宗教的な)ｲｺﾝ・聖画像、「憧れや崇拝の的」「何かを象徴するもの/象徴的存在」、語源はギリシャ語「類似」=[likeness]
⇒[iconic] 肖像の・象徴的な、(何かを)象徴する…、非常に有名な・伝説的な
