Blue-Chip Rothko Delivers a 30% Negative Return Despite Selling for More Than $32M

Mark Rothko, Untitled (Yellow and Blue) 無題（黃與藍） (1954) sold for $32.48m (HKD252.5m), more than the low estimate at Sotheby's in Hong Kong on November 11.

The sale was below the previous auction result by $13.97m, realizing a 30% negative return. It last sold at auction in 2015 for $46.45m at Sotheby's.

Back on the market

The work has been traded 6 times in the past. It was first owned by Paul Mellon, who lent it to the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, and later by Francois Pinault, who exibited it at the Palazzo Grassi, Venice in 2006. It was also previously owned by fugitive Malaysian businessman Jho Low. The consignor was not announced.

Oil On Canvas, 242.9 x 186.7cm.