Rare Bob Dylan Abstract Painting From 1968 Heads to Auction

A previously unseen abstract painting by Bob Dylan, created during his Woodstock years in 1968, is set to hit the auction block at RR Auction. The untitled work, featuring a large bull outline filled with abstract imagery like animals, music notes, and bowties, is expected to fetch a six-figure sum when bidding concludes on May 23.

The 24.5 x 30" unvarnished canvas was originally gifted by Dylan to Woodstock resident Sandy LePanto in exchange for an astrology chart. LePanto's friend Shelby Scherman Willer believes the bull, representing the Taurus zodiac sign, may have resonated with Dylan, who was born in May. The painting remained in LePanto's family for decades before being rediscovered as part of her ex-husband Anthony LePanto's estate.

Despite some wear due to being unvarnished, the painting has already attracted significant interest, with the starting bid set at $66,550. Dylan's faint signature adorns the back of the canvas, accompanied by doodles of music notes. This marks a rare opportunity for collectors, as much of Dylan's visual art has not been seen by the public.

While best known for his groundbreaking music career, the 82-year-old Dylan is also an accomplished visual artist. His work spans realism to abstract, often chronicling his life on the road. In 1968, Dylan's painting graced the cover of The Band's album Music from Big Pink, marking the first public display of his art. Since then, Dylan has exhibited in major galleries worldwide and released several books showcasing his paintings and drawings.

The auction coincides with the filming of A Complete Unknown, a biopic starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Dylan. Based on Elijah Wald's book Dylan Goes Electric!, the movie explores Dylan's rise to stardom and the controversy surrounding his transition from folk to rock music. The star-studded cast includes Monica Barbaro, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, and Boyd Holbrook.

As the auction unfolds, the art world eagerly awaits the fate of this long-lost piece of Dylan's creative legacy. The painting offers a glimpse into the multifaceted artist's Woodstock period, a time of profound personal and artistic transformation. With its unique provenance and the recent sale of another Dylan painting for $100,000, the abstract bull painting is poised to attract fervent bidding from collectors and Dylan aficionados alike.

Key Takeaways

• Bob Dylan's 1968 abstract painting to be auctioned at RR Auction.
• Untitled work features a bull outline with abstract imagery, expected to fetch six figures.
• Painting was gifted to Woodstock resident Sandy LePanto in exchange for an astrology chart.
• Dylan's visual art is rare, with much of it unseen by the public.
• Auction coincides with filming of biopic "A Complete Unknown" starring Timothée Chalamet as young Dylan.