Discover the art world’s latest sensation as Christie’s unveils a never-before-seen diptych by the late American painter Brice Marden at its May auction in New York. A potential record-breaker, this piece promises to redefine Marden’s commercial legacy.

In the bustling art scene of New York this May, Christie’s auction house is set to reveal a hidden gem that could set the art world ablaze. The piece in question? A previously unseen diptych by Brice Marden, an American painter who left an indelible mark on the art world before passing away at the age of 84 in 2023.

Early Inspirations

Born Nicholas Brice Marden Jr. in 1938 in Bronxville, just a stone’s throw from Manhattan, Marden was first introduced to painting by a neighbor. This early encounter set him on a path to becoming an artist himself. After high school, he honed his craft at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and later at Yale University, where he studied alongside notable figures like Richard Serra and Chuck Close. Marden’s journey took him from the classrooms of Yale to the historic halls of the Louvre in Paris, where he immersed himself in the study of art history.

A Diverse Career

Marden’s career was a tapestry of varied experiences. He was once an assistant to Robert Rauschenberg and spent significant time in Greece, drawing inspiration from its ancient culture. His early work was characterized by monochromatic canvases, but he later embraced more complex styles, including paintings inspired by East Asian calligraphy. Marden’s art, known for its intricate lines and vibrant colors, found its way into major international exhibitions and the collections of art lovers worldwide.

His first major sale crossed the million-dollar mark in the early 2000s, and by 2010, his work “Cold Mountain I (Path)” fetched over 9 million dollars at auction. But it was his “Complements” painting that set his current record in 2020, selling for nearly 31 million dollars.

A New Chapter

Now, Christie’s is about to turn a new page in Marden’s storied career with the auction of “Event,” a diptych created between 2004 and 2007. Estimated to fetch between 30 to 50 million dollars, this piece has never been loaned for exhibition, making its auction a historic event. If it achieves even the lower end of its estimated value, it will establish a new record for Marden’s work.

Marden’s art continues to captivate and inspire, proving that his legacy is as vibrant as the paintings he left behind. As the art community awaits the auction, one thing is clear: Brice Marden’s influence on contemporary art is both profound and enduring.