Home / Arts and Entertainment / C$5 Thrift Store Painting Sells for C$108,120!
C$5 Thrift Store Painting Sells for C$108,120!
3 Oct
Summary
- A C$5 painting bought at a donation center sold for C$108,120.
- The artwork was identified as David Bowie's original 'D Head XLVI'.
- The sale set a new global record for a David Bowie artwork.
A painting by the iconic David Bowie, originally purchased for a mere C$5 at a household goods donation center in South River, Ontario, has achieved a record-breaking sale. The artwork, identified as 'D Head XLVI' from Bowie's 'Dead Heads' series, was sold in June 2021 for C$108,120. This exceptional outcome significantly surpassed its pre-sale estimate of C$9,000 to C$12,000.
David Bowie, renowned for his music, was also a passionate painter influenced by modernist trends. His artworks rarely appear at auction, making the discovery of 'D Head XLVI' particularly significant. The painting was part of an approximately 47-piece series created between 1995 and 1997, featuring various subjects including self-portraits.
The painting's journey from a C$5 donation to a six-figure sale captivated collectors and media worldwide. Experts at Cowley Abbott authenticated the work through research and correspondence with a Bowie specialist, confirming its provenance. The sale not only underscores the value of Bowie's visual art but also serves as a reminder that hidden treasures can be found in the most ordinary of places.
