You're reading: Putin’s portrait sells for 200,000 euro

To many of his political rivals Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin comes through as a power tyrant whose goals stir up little doubt. To artists, it appears, Putin is as mysterious as Mona Lisa’s smile as seen in American artist’s work sold at the Art Moscow International Fair on Sept. 25.

A black and white portrait of the Russian leader by American artist David Datuna sold for € 200,000 to a wealthy Russian businessman, whose preferred to stay anonymous.

Entitled “Putin Couture – Mona Lisa,” the installation was presented by Kyiv’s Mironova Gallery and is composed of dozens of barely detectable miniature images of the famous Mona Lisa.

Originally, Mironova Gallery announced the starting price at 100,000 euro, because they “didn’t expect “Putin Couture” to generate such enthusiasm,” said Tetyana Mironova, the gallery owner and art expert said.

“Perhaps, it has something to do with Putin’s announcement to run again for president.”

By using Da Vinci’s portrait to depict Putin, the artist seeks to compare the famous enigmatic smile of the woman with the mystery of Putin’s persona. The pieces of the puzzle create a watery effect of the work.

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, he has been living in the U.S. since 1999.

He works primarily in the field of neo-pop-art, which offers a fresh perspective on universal themes.

In addition to Putin’s portrait, the project “Putin Couture” includes three installations of the Russian flags made of optic lenses and newspaper cuttings.

The fragments of newspapers highlight important events from Russian history and its prominent people.

Kyiv Post staff writer Mariya Manzhos can be reached at [email protected].