Munkácsy sensation from Australia auctioned off

The painting ‘Portrait of Zsófia Zichy’ was owned by an Australian family until a few months ago, when art historians learnt of its existence. The painting, which had not been on public display for over 100 years, had attracted a great deal of attention in the run-up to the exhibition. Thousands of art lovers visited the Virág Gallery in the weeks leading up to the auction to take a look at the artwork.

The bidding war started at 48 million forints and increased to 160 million forints before the hammer fell. Other important works of art were auctioned off at the Budapest Congress Centre. József Egry’s ‘Sailboat’ realised 60 million forints, the painting ‘Spring in Nagybánya’ by Tibor Boromisza 50 million forints and Victor Vasarely’s ‘Reng’ 26 million forints.