The art world has always had an enigmatic aura. From the peculiar habits of famous artists to the scandalous stories behind some of the most iconic paintings, the realm of art holds countless surprises.
Pablo Picasso, one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century, was known for his unconventional habits in his personal life and work. For instance, he kept a loaded revolver in his studio, which he would fire in the air to shoo away those who asked him what his paintings meant. Picasso believed that art was subjective, and his quirky actions were his way of maintaining its mystery.
The secret lives of paintings are just as fascinating. Did you know that the Mona Lisa wasn't always as famous as it is today? It only became a global sensation after it was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. The thief, Vincenzo Peruggia, believed the painting belonged in Italy, and the two-year search for its recovery turned it into an icon.
Vincent van Gogh is another artist with a compelling backstory. While his legend often focuses on his tragic end, lesser-known is his prolific output. In just over a decade, van Gogh created more than 2,000 artworks. What's even more intriguing is that he sometimes painted over his own work due to a lack of canvases – creating a hidden layer of art within art.
But the wonders of the art world don't end with the artists themselves. The auctioning of artworks has its own set of captivating tales. The Salvator Mundi, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, became the most expensive painting ever sold at auction, fetching $450.3 million in 2017. Its journey to the auction block is shrouded in mystery and controversy, with questions about its authenticity still lingering.
Art restoration also brings a mix of comedy and tragedy. The most infamous example is the 2012 botched restoration of the Ecce Homo fresco in Spain. Attempting to restore the artwork, an elderly parishioner inadvertently transformed the image of Christ into a distorted figure, leading to a media frenzy and unexpected tourist attraction.
From peculiar artist habits and hidden secrets in paintings to auction mysteries and restoration blunders, the art world is a treasure trove of quirky and unexpected stories that continue to captivate and amuse.
Surprising quirks of the art world that you never knew about
