$53.9 million. 1987. Van Gogh's Irises sells for a record price that shocks the art world.
Except Sotheby's lent their own money to the buyer. Manipulation.
Two collateral victims. The painting, seen as "besmirched" by its own sale. And Van Gogh, the man who made 400 francs on the one canvas he officially sold, suddenly associated with greed. How ironic. The Getty Museum bought it, restored it and pulled it out of the market. Open to the public. Yours to admire.
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