Bidding on what is now generally considered to be the greatest photo Andy Warhol ever took ended Wednesday morning. Christie’s started the bidding at $2,000, but anticipated that it could go as high as $5,000.
It went for $5,500 — $5,500 determined Auburn dollars… thanks to you.
From the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Art’s Facebook page:
UPDATE: Thanks for sharing and reaching out to us about this photograph. JCSM’s bid was accepted, and the museum has acquired the photo for the permanent collection. More to come soon. Art Changes Lives, and War Eagle.
After seeing The War Eagle Reader’s story on “The Toomer’s Oates,” the museum’s curating crew, Warhol fans from way back, sprang into action.
“We’re prepared to bid approximately $3,000,” the museum’s Print and Digital Media producer, Charlotte Hendrix, told us Monday. However, the museum began seeking just-in-case private donations to help them “stay competitive.”
Good thinking.
Hendrix credits TWER — yes, for this we will absolutely toot our own horn — not only with making the museum aware of the photo, but with instilling the sense of urgency in Auburn art lovers that has now led to what is arguably the museum’s greatest acquisition (Chihuly who?).
So how soon will John Oates and his Auburn shirt return (in spirit) to their adopted hometown?
“The item is shipped out after payment is received and can take a few days to arrive,” a Christie’s spokesperson told us.
War Hol Eagle.
You can help art change even more lives here.
Related: Elvis says “War Eagle”
Art may change lives, but Auburn changes art.
Take a bow, TWER. It’s safe to say, without you, this photo would not have ended up in Auburn’s collection. #AUrt
Awesome! Will definitely go by the museum and check this out! War Eagle!!