On Wednesday June 15 2011 at Sotheby's London, seven works by Sir Stanley Spencer, described by the auctioneer as one of the 20th century's most important British painters, were on offer at the first section of a three-part sale of the Evill/Frost Collection.
The sales of these works totaled £23.0 million ($37.6 million), including a record £4.7 million ($7,705,337) for Workmen in the House, 1935, which was eclipsed minutes later by the £5.4 million($8,796,531) for Sunflower and Dog Worship, 1937, a painting depicting a husband and wife being embraced by giant flowers, said to be an exploation Sir Stanley's notion of universal harmony.
The other dog painting for sale, The Bathing Pool, Dogs, 1957, was estimated at £800,000 – 1,200,000 and it sold for £4,185,250 ($6,796,009).
The Bathing Pool, Dogs by Sir Stanley Spencer, 1957
What recession?
Keep painting dogs and flowers and universal harmony.
And have a great weekend!