Lewis’s painting, titled “Black Truck,” sold for 10 times its value
A Canadian painting by folk artist Maude Lewis has sold for $ 270,000 at an auction after being offered to the owner in exchange for a grilled cheese sandwich. Lewis’s painting, titled “Black Truck,” sold for 10 times its value, reflecting a trend that has increased the popularity of the Canadian artist’s work.
The owner of the painting, Irene Demas, worked with her husband as a young chef in a restaurant she owned, according to Guardian. The two had a deal with another artist, John Kinner, who would pay for her meals with paintings by her and sometimes even her friends. One day, when Mr. Kinner came to dinner in 1973, he brought with him a painting by Mood Lewis, a close friend of his. The couple chose the now iconic “Black Truck” painting in exchange for a grilled cheese sandwich for Mr. Kinner, Guardian The report further states.
Talking Guardian, Irene Demas says of the grilled cheese sandwich, “You remember, it wasn’t just ordinary grilled cheese. It was a great sandwich with a five year old cheddar and nice bread. “
Mod Lewis lived mostly in poverty and sold his paintings by the roadside in Nova Scotia, Canada. His signature style did not receive critical acclaim until decades after his death. He died in 1970, and gained fame in the following decades, even getting a film based on his life in the 2016 title.Moody‘He wrote a series of letters to John Kinner and thanked him for his kindness and generosity in providing him with the paint. The letters were also sold at auction.
