When not performing, the Beatles stayed in the VIP room of the Tokyo Hilton hotel to paint Images of a Woman (temporary translation) Images of women).
The painting, which some experts believe is the only work of art created by all four members of The Beatles, was sold at Christie's auction house in New York on February 4.
Work Images of a Woman
Casey Rogers, a Christie's painting expert, said in a phone interview with CNN"Images of a Woman It is estimated to fetch between $400.000 and $600.000 for 'crystallizing a magical moment in The Beatles' history'. Its final selling price was nearly three times the high estimate: $1.744.000.”
Rogers commented on the 50 x 75 cm painting: “It is rare to have a work outside of the music catalog with contributions from all four members of The Beatles. It is a souvenir, a work of art that attracts many collectors."
Outside of shows – with the exception of two occasions where Paul McCartney and John Lennon once snuck out with members of their entourage for a sightseeing adventure in Tokyo – the group remained in their hotel rooms. they were under orders from local authorities, who were concerned about the Beatles' safety.
The Beatles arrive at Tokyo airport during their tour of Japan in 1966
The band's visit to the land of the rising sun attracted both fans and protesters. Many reports of threats from ultra-nationalists joined the protests out of anger that a Western rock band performed at an arena considered the spiritual home of Japanese martial arts.
According to a Christie's press release, a guest gave them paper, brushes, paints and watercolors. The group quickly gathered around a table. Each member of The Beatles sat in each corner, drawing whatever they wanted.
Photographer Robert Whitaker was on hand to capture the group at work. “I had never seen them more calm or content than at that moment,” he commented.
The Beatles were no strangers to visual art. John Lennon and Paul McCartney both studied art. Auction house Christie's added that both George Harrison and Ringo Starr "painted regularly with a wide range of artistic abilities".
Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison (from left) attending a press conference in Tokyo in 1966
Every corner of the painting reflects a personal touch, with a wide variety of shapes, colors and even types of paint or watercolor used. Harrison's part shows darker and angrier looking features, while Starr's part is smaller and more cartoonish. Christie's notes that both Lennon and McCartney painted primarily with acrylic paint, while Harrison and Starr relied more on watercolor.
According to Christie's, The Beatles never officially named their painting, but it is known as Images of a Woman in the late 1980s. “It was all very pleasing to the eye. I think the picture is just for the members to express themselves," said Casey Rogers.
Upon completion, the painting was purchased by Tetsuaburo Shimoyama, an entertainment industry executive. At that time he was the president of The Beatles fan club in Tokyo. In 1989, it was purchased by record store owner Takao Nishino, then in 2012 Nishino put the painting up for auction. Previously, Nishino revealed that he had kept the painting under his bed for many years.
After deciding to part with the painting, Nishino told the press: “Initially, I thought it would be best to keep it as part of Japan's cultural heritage. The painting has never left Japan in 46 years. But the Beatles phenomenon is and always has been a global phenomenon."
“I think the work Images of a Woman reflects the 100 hours the Beatles spent working together. This is probably one of the last times they sit together,” Rogers said.
