Kerry James Marshall ‘Past Times’ Painting Auctioned for $21 million

A painting by famed artist Kerry James Marshall has been sold by Chicago’s Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority for $21.1 million.

The price paid Wednesday in an auction at Sotheby’s New York set a record for a work by the African-American artist. A Sotheby’s spokesman says four bidders competed for the work, driving the selling price beyond the high estimate of $12 million.

“Past Times” had for years been displayed in the South Building of McCormick Place where a replica now hangs. The real painting was purchased in 1997 for $25,000.

Marshall, born in Birmingham, Alabama who grew up in South Central LA is now a resident of Chicago, is known for his depictions of African-American life.

Source: chicago tribune