WorldTop StoryTop StoryLatest News
Eloise Portrait Vanished from Plaza Hotel, Sold for $100,000 After 50 Years
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
The original Eloise portrait, painted by Hilary Knight in 1956, disappeared from New York's Plaza Hotel during a ball in 1960. It was later found in a dumpster and sold for $100,000 at auction.
Key points
- The portrait was a birthday gift for Kay Thompson, co-creator of Eloise.
- It was painted in 1956 and hung in the Plaza's lobby until its disappearance in 1960.
- The portrait was found frameless in a dumpster years later.
- After being forgotten for 50 years, it was rediscovered for a 2017 exhibition.
- The painting sold at Bonhams for $100,000 in December 2018.
Key insights
- The portrait's history highlights how art can gain value through narrative and cultural connections.
- Eloise's character continues to resonate with audiences, symbolizing a whimsical view of New York.
- The auction result underscores the lasting appeal of children's literature and its illustrations.
Why it matters
The portrait's journey reflects the cultural significance of Eloise and her connection to New York's Plaza Hotel.
Tags
Entities
Eloise· ProductHilary Knight· PersonPlaza Hotel· LocationBonhams· OrganizationKay Thompson· PersonNew-York Historical Society· Organization
Source
Times of India
