A Gerhard Richter painting, *Kerze (Candle)* (1982), from the estate of the late dealer Marian Goodman sold at Christie’s on Wednesday evening for $35.1 million (with fees), falling short of the artist’s $46.3 million record set over a decade ago. The lot, estimated at $35–$50 million, was guaranteed by a third party and drew a hammer price of $30 million after less than two minutes of subdued bidding. Goodman, who represented Richter for decades until he left for David Zwirner in 2022, had purchased the work directly from the artist in 1989 and held it for nearly 40 years. The painting was one of eight Richter works from Goodman’s estate offered in the combined “Marian’s Richters & 21st Century Evening Sale.”
The sale matters because it tests the market for Richter’s iconic candle series, which has deep personal and political resonance—Richter noted its unintended symbolism as a silent protest against the GDR regime. The result, while strong, signals that even works from a revered dealer’s estate may not surpass peak market records, reflecting a cautious moment in the high-end auction market. The event also underscores the enduring legacy of Marian Goodman, a titan of the art world who died in January at 97, and the continued demand for Richter’s work despite his departure from her gallery.