Two Mark Rothko paintings sell for $76 million at Sotheby’s auction

Two Mark Rothko paintings sell for $76 million at Sotheby’s auction

The paintings belonged to the late horticulture and art lover Rachel "Bunny" Mellon.

Some people can put a price on great art. The Telegraph reports that two paintings by artist Mark Rothko were sold for more than $75 million on Monday in New York. The pieces were sold at Sotheby’s auction for post-war and contemporary art.

Both pieces were owned by Rachel “Bunny” Mellon, who died in March at the age of 103. Her grandfather Jordan W. Lambert invented Listerine and her father Gerald Lambert’s company made such everyday items as Dentyne and Schick Razers. Mellon also married wealthy industrialist and philanthropist Paul Mellon. They were avid art lovers and Bunny Mellon was noted for being a self-taught horticulturist and botanist. Close friends with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, she redesigned the White House Rose Garden in 1961.

The first piece, Untitled (Yellow, Orange, Yellow, Light Orange), created in 1955, sold for $35 million, which was above projections. The second, Untitled, painted in 1970, doubled its estimated price by selling for $40 million. The names of the buyers have not been reported. Other pieces from Mellon’s collection, including furnishings and jewelry, will be auctioned off in November as well.

According to his official website, Mark Rothko was born in Latvia in 1903 and came to the United States at age 10. He was a renowned member of the New York School of Abstract Painters. He committed suicide in 1970.

The Telegraph reports all proceeds from the Mellon estate will benefit The Gerald B. Lambert foundation, which supports the Oak Spring Garden Library in Upperville, Virginia. The library is home to Mellon’s collection of books, manuscripts, and select art pieces.

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