The Second Look: Before Bidding Begins at the November Marquee Auctions

For about 10 days each November, Christie's and Sotheby's become two of New York’s most compelling temporary museums. Paintings that have spent decades in private collections hang alongside works that have rarely, if ever, been exhibited publicly. Soon they will be sold, many returning to private homes where they may not be seen again for years. I recently spent time at both auction houses, looking at works that will be offered in this month’s sales. One of the pleasures of these previews is seeing paintings I have known for years through photographs, catalogues and scholarship. But no matter how familiar an image may be, there is often a moment of surprise when I stand in front of the actual work. Gustav Klimt’s Litzlbergkeller, at Christie’s, is a beautiful example. The intricacy and delicacy of the painted surface are striking: the foliage is built from countless small touches of color, and the water in the foreground seems to shimmer.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.