Paul McCartney thinks ‘Yesterday’ was possibly inspired by mother’s death
Paul McCartney suggests 'Yesterday' may have been inspired by the loss of his mother, adding depth to the iconic Beatles hit.
A piece of Beatles history has found a new home, fetching a staggering $1.7 million at auction. The artwork, titled “Images of a Woman,” painted by the iconic band in July 1966 during their tour in Japan, captivated bidders at Christie’s in New York during its annual Exceptional Sale on Feb. 1.
The painting’s journey began in the presidential suite of the Tokyo Hilton, where the Beatles found themselves confined due to safety concerns by local authorities. Amidst the confinement, they received a gift of art materials from visitors, which sparked the creation of this unique piece.
Captured by Robert Whitaker, the band’s photographer, the scene is described vividly in a Christie’s lot essay. The Beatles sat around a table, each in their own corner, with a table lamp illuminating their collaborative endeavor. Over two nights, amidst breaks for concerts, they meticulously crafted the artwork, finding solace and contentment in the creative process.
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Interestingly, the painting remained nameless for decades until the late 1980s when a Japanese journalist suggested seeing female genitalia in Paul McCartney’s section. It added an intriguing layer to the artwork’s narrative.
The journey of “Images of a Woman” took it through the hands of various owners, including Tetsusaburo Shimoyama, the chairman of Tokyo’s Beatles fan club, and later Takao Nishino, a record store owner. Finally, in 2012, it found its way to the auction block in New York, where Tracks Ltd UK, a renowned Beatles memorabilia dealer, acquired it.
The sale of this painting not only represents a significant moment in Beatles history but also underscores the enduring fascination and value associated with memorabilia connected to the legendary band. For the lucky fan who secured the winning bid, it’s not just a piece of art but a tangible connection to one of the most iconic cultural phenomena of the 20th century.
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