Justin O’Brien’s (1917-1996) Madonna c1959 (lot 26) achieved its predicted artist’s auction record following frenetic bidding at Menzies Australian and International Art sale on June 29 in Melbourne.
The price of $417,272.73 including buyer’s premium (near the top of the catalogue estimate) shows art lovers are willing to pay top dollar for religious paintings if the subject and work are sufficiently striking and to their liking.
This result has...