NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s announces that they will offer a masterpiece by Gerhard Richter at the Post-War and Contemporary Art Evening Auction in New York on November 10, 2010. One of the most monumental and iconic pictures ever painted by the artist, Zwei Kerzen , an image that is totally universal and transcends every border and collecting class, will be offered at auction in November for the first time and is expected to realize $12,000,000-16,000,000.

The painting will be a presented in the public exhibition at Christie’s in London from 11 to 15 October during the Frieze Art Fair.

Brett Gorvy, International Co-head of Contemporary Art and Deputy Chairman, Americas: “Gerhard Richter is one of the greatest artists of the Post-War period and the market for his work continues to reflect growing international appreciation of his artistic importance. It is an honor to be entrusted with the sale of ‘Zwei Kerzenn’ which is one of his finest works, and which has never before been offered at auction. We look forward to showcasing the painting in London during the Frieze Art Fair, and to offering it at auction in New York where global collectors will have the opportunity to acquire a landmark work from the artist’s oeuvre.”

Zwei Kerzen has been a focal piece in many renowned exhibitions. Another work from the series, Kerze (Candle), established the auction record for the artist when it sold for $15,787,128 in 2008.

Zwei Kerzen depicts two lit candles close up, and is executed in oil on canvas in the celebrated photorealist style that Richter championed since the 1960s. The work is one of the largest of Richter’s series of candle and skull paintings that he created when he turned 50, and was contemplating his own mortality. It is a timeless poem to life and hope.”