Entertainment · Books & Arts · 2 hrs ago
Hundreds queue in Hong Kong to see long-unshown Van Gogh painting
Hundreds queued in Hong Kong to see a Vincent van Gogh painting that has not been publicly exhibited for more than 60 years.
The work, called “Chestnut Trees in Blossom,” was painted in May 1890, during the artist’s final months in the French village of Auvers-sur-Oise.
Sotheby’s will auction it in New York on November 18, with an estimated price of about $180 million.
The sale could set a new auction record for a Van Gogh painting, according to a Sotheby’s specialist.
Works from Van Gogh’s final period rarely reach the market, drawing interest from collectors, museums and investors.
The painting will be sold as part of a collection of 12 long-unseen works, including pieces by Paul Cezanne and Claude Monet.
Hundreds of people queued in Hong Kong to see Vincent van Gogh’s painting “Châtaigniers en fleurs,” which has not been publicly exhibited in more than six decades.
The painting is on display ahead of a Sotheby’s auction in New York on November 18.
It is expected to fetch about $180 million and is poised to set a new auction record for a Van Gogh work, according to Sotheby’s.
Painted in May 1890, it depicts a large blossoming chestnut tree and comes from Van Gogh’s final period in Auvers-sur-Oise.
The painting will be sold as part of a collection of 12 long-unseen works, including pieces by Paul Cezanne and Claude Monet.
- Who
- Hundreds of visitors queued to see the painting. Sotheby’s is offering it at auction.
- What
- Van Gogh’s “Châtaigniers en fleurs” is on public display after more than six decades. It is expected to sell for about $180 million.
- When
- The display was reported on October 13, 2026. The auction is scheduled for November 18.
- Where
- The painting is on display in Hong Kong; the auction will be in New York.
- Why
- The painting is being shown ahead of its Sotheby’s auction.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Van Gogh painted “Châtaigniers en fleurs.
After Van Gogh’s death, the painting passed to his brother Theo.
Collector Harriet Harris-Jonas acquired the painting.
The Blaquier family acquired the painting from art dealer Wildenstein.
Five works from the collection were unveiled at Sotheby’s in London.
Hundreds queued in Hong Kong to see the painting ahead of its planned November 18 auction.
- Painting
- Châtaigniers en fleurs” (“Chestnut Trees in Blossom”)
- Artist
- Vincent van Gogh
- Expected auction price
- About $180 million
- Auction date and location
- November 18, New York
- Collection size
- 12 long-unseen works
- Last reported acquisition
- The Blaquier family acquired it in 1975
What people are saying
This is a moment of extraordinary optimism, frenetic energy, enthusiasm, passion, and colour in the artist's body of work
I'd never heard of this painting before, so I wanted to see it with my own eyes
Sources
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