Brief
Hundreds line up in Hong Kong to see Van Gogh painting unseen for 60 years
The 1890 canvas "Châtaigniers en fleurs" was displayed in Hong Kong before its November 18 auction in New York.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Hundreds of people gathered in Hong Kong on Oct. 13 to view Vincent van Gogh’s 1890 painting "Châtaigniers en fleurs" – the first public showing in more than six decades, the Independent reported.
The work, created during Van Gogh’s final weeks in Auvers-sur-Oise, will be auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York on Nov. 18 with an estimated price of about $180 million. Scott Niichel of Sotheby’s modern and contemporary art department said the piece is poised to set a new record for a Van Gogh work.
Li Shanshan, a 50‑year‑old art lover from Shenzhen, said she had never heard of the painting before and travelled hours to see it in person.
Previously owned by the Blaquier family, the canvas joins a collection of 12 long‑unseen Impressionist masterpieces that will travel from London to Taipei, Hong Kong, Paris and New York before the auction.
Key facts
- Hundreds queued in Hong Kong to see Van Gogh's "Châtaigniers en fleurs" on Oct. 13, 2026. (independent.co.uk)
- The painting was created in May 1890 during Van Gogh's final days. (independent.co.uk)
- Sotheby’s expects the work to fetch about $180 million at the Nov. 18 New York auction. (independent.co.uk)
- Scott Niichel of Sotheby’s said the painting could set a new auction record for Van Gogh. (independent.co.uk)
- Li Shanshan traveled from Shenzhen to view the painting. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Hundreds queue as Van Gogh painting goes on display after 60 years”
