Nude painting of Bea Arthur sells for nearly $2 million

[KamaAina]

less than expected.

But it's Bea Arthur. Topless. And for sale....

The New York Post reports that the portrait sold Wednesday night at auction for $1.9 million to anonymous buyer over the phone. Currin, who is known for satirical works of women in provocative positions, came under fire when he first painted it.

Critics blasted it for being sexist, misogynistic and vulgar. Others argued it was a statement about feminism and age, calling it ironic and entertaining....

But the painting is "historically significant, Christie's spokesman Koji Inoue tells the Post. "It's radical to sexualize someone people think of as asexual." He added, "The painting has a visual toughness to it — but it's also fun."

Guess that'll teach the host on some long-ago MTV show who asked guys 'How many beers before you make a pass at Bea Arthur?" (My answer: two. )

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[CBGLuthier]

1. I found the unedited version

and I thought she looked fine.

She did not pose for the painting of course so it is fantasy.

I have been watching a lot of episodes of Maude lately and am really impressed by her comedic skills. The crap about her not being a sexy woman was a total load. Yes she was a tall intimidating woman but that does not equal asexual as the article says.

[KamaAina]

2. I believe the artist did it from a photo

but where would he have found a nude photo of her?

And like I said, two beers.