Download images: Please click on the preview image (to be used free of charge only for media reports on Dorotheum auctions, Photocredit: Dorotheum Vienna)
World Record Sale of von Amerling at the Vienna Dorotheum - Biedermeier Icon sold to the Liechtenstein Museum for € 1,5 million
Friedrich von Amerling
Presented at the Dorotheum auction house on 15th October 2008, Friedrich von Amerling's Girl with Straw Hat („Mädchen mit Strohhut“, 1835), recently restituted from the Austrian Galleries at the Belvedere, was sold for the sensational sum of 1,502.300 Euro.
The painting's sale not only marked the high point of the Dorotheum's auction of 19th century paintings but also a new global price record for the work of this artist, considered to be the foremost proponent of Biedermeier painting apart from Waldmüller himself. The painting had been valued at 250.000 to 350.000 Euro and instantly became the most expensive work of art sold in Austria this year.
The Biedermeier icon was acquired by the Liechtenstein Museum Vienna which won the day against a number of telephone bidders. Starting on 7th November 2008, von Amerling's painting will be on display at the Liechtenstein Museum as the "Artwork of the Month". In addition, the Liechtenstein Museum has expressed its intent to install the Girl with Straw Hat as one of the highlights of its permanent collection in the City Palais Lichtenstein in Vienna's Bankgasse.
Following its purchase, Alexandra Hanzl, deputy director of the Liechtenstein Museum, praised this "perfect addition to the collection" and the fact that the painting will remain both, in Austria and accessible to the public. The Museum's Biedermeier collection is considered to be one of Austria's most important.
The crowded auction room, heated bidding battles, and significant appreciation at this auction once more underlined the high regard and popularity 19th century paintings continue to enjoy.
Press Office Dorotheum: Mag. Doris Krumpl, Tel. + 43 1/515 60-406 doris.krumpl@dorotheum.at
Press/Communication Liechtenstein Museum: Mag. Christina Lipovac, Tel + 43 1/319 57 67 142 Christina.lipovac@liechtensteinmuseum.at
 | Friedrich von Amerling |
 | Press Information |
