February 18, 2008 13:12

Legendary album artwork up for sale

Sonic Youth painting is expected to make millions

The painting used for the cover of Sonic Youth’s acclaimed 1988 album ‘Daydream Nation’ is to be auctioned in London next week (February 27).

The 1983 photo-painting, ‘Kerze’ by Gerhard Richter, is being sold by Sotheby’s, with the price tag expected to reach upwards of £2.5million.

Sotheby’s Francis Outred told The Independent: “This is a unique collaboration of a painter that people want with an album cover by one of the greatest American bands of all time.

“The fact this is the very picture that was used – taken from a series of 20 paintings – makes it even more special.”

Richter’s artwork has previously sold for as much £6.5million in the US.

‘Daydream Nation’ is generally seen as a seminal album by the New York band. ‘Kerze’ translates as ‘Candle’, which is also a song on the double album.

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