The Giacometti sculpture of a walking man sold for $104,327,006 (see
Feb. 10 Kovels Komments) to become the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. It was sold to an unidentified buyer now known to be Lily Safra, one of the world's richest people. She is the widow of Edmond Safra, who died in an arson fire in his Monte Carlo apartment in 1999. The fire made international news, and the arsonist, Mr. Safra's male nurse, was convicted of the crime in 2002. Lily Safra owns the world's most expensive house, near Monte Carlo, as well as property in Geneva, Monaco, and London. According to reports, she had the Giacometti statue delivered to London. She has been an ardent art collector and is chairwoman of her well-funded family foundation, which supports projects in 50 countries.
3 comments:
Isn't she the one who asked for a $53 million dollar down payment on her villa on the French Riviera from a Russian billionaire, and he defaulted on the sale and she wouldn't give the money back????
Just think what that money could to end suffering in the world for those who go hungry and without shelter every day. Shame, shame,
shame......
Check out the Safra Foundation and you'll see that a TON of resources are used to help people the world over. Before you jump to assume the worst, it's a good idea to do a little research. And, in terms of art, altho I understand the sentiment, if rich "patrons" hadn't supported artists, we would not have many of the works of art that enrich all our lives in museums, etc.
And, I guess I'd say one more thing: if you "found" something in the course of your collecting that was worth many thousands of dollars, would you donate the money to someone less fortunate, or pay your bills and use most of it yourself? It's a dilemma we all wish we could face, maybe?
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