Photographer Kevin Abosch recently sold a photograph of a potato for 1 million euros, equivalent to just over US$1 million.
The photograph, titled “Potato #345,” was taken in 2010 as part of a series, according to media reports. It’s a portrait of an Irish potato on top of a black background, a distinguished trademark of Abosch’s that is exceedingly sought after by his wealthy, and often well-known, admirers. The 46-year-old artist generally commissions photographs for at least US$280,000.
Aside from spuds, Abosch also photographs portraits of influential figures. Potato #345 joined a portfolio that included shots of Steven Spielberg, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.
The recently sold potato photograph is one of three in existence. Abosch keeps one in his own private collection and donated another to a Serbian art museum. The third was bought by an unidentified European businessman.
Abosch recounted the story to Britain’s Sunday Times: “We had two glasses of wine and he said, ‘I really like that.’ Two more glasses of wine and he said, ‘I really want that.’” The two agreed upon a price a couple of weeks later, and it ended up being his most expensive non-commissioned work.
“Selling your own art is bittersweet,” Abosch said in a statement to Fortune. “You do it for practical reasons and hope that the work brings comfort and joy to its new owners.”
To learn more, visit Fortune.
