In a notable auction at Sotheby’s, television producer Ryan Murphy placed a winning bid of $889,000 for the sculpture “Sphinx” by artist Simone Leigh. This acquisition took place on the evening of November 15, 2023, during a sale that witnessed significant transactions, including the record-breaking sale of a Gustav Klimt painting for $236.4 million.
The auction, held at Sotheby’s New York headquarters in the Breuer Building, attracted considerable attention. “Sphinx,” a bronze and platinum leaf sculpture created in 2021, reflects Leigh’s commitment to exploring themes of Black feminist thought. According to Sotheby’s, her work “elaborates on Black feminist thought, an intellectual tradition which values and centers the experiences of Black women.”
Leigh’s artistic approach combines elements from various historical periods and geographies, often merging the female form with domestic vessels or architectural features. This artistic choice aims to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Black women in the realms of labor and care.
The auction event itself was historic. It generated a total of $706 million, marking the highest amount ever achieved for a single night of sales at Sotheby’s. The highlight was the sale of Leonard Lauder’s collection, which included Klimt’s “Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer,” solidifying its position as the second-most expensive painting sold at auction. Lauder, a cosmetics mogul, passed away in June 2023, and his collection has drawn significant interest from collectors worldwide.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, the notorious golden toilet sculpture, titled “America” by Maurizio Cattelan, fetched $12.1 million. The whimsical piece, known for its provocative nature, was purchased by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! The museum celebrated this acquisition with a statement on Instagram, highlighting the unique nature of the artwork. Interestingly, another version of this sculpture was stolen from Blenheim Palace in England in 2019 and has yet to be recovered, although two individuals were convicted for the theft in March 2023.
As for Murphy, his recent work, “All’s Fair,” a legal drama featuring Kim Kardashian, has received mixed reviews from critics. Nevertheless, Murphy’s engagement with the art world through this purchase emphasizes his diverse interests beyond television production.
The Sotheby’s auction signifies not only a milestone in the art market but also reflects the ongoing evolution of contemporary art and its collectors. With record sales and significant acquisitions, the event has underscored the dynamic nature of art investment in today’s cultural landscape.
