Ever wondered how much a painting of a rock can fetch at auction? Four years ago today, the Ming Dynasty masterpieceTen Views of Lingbi Rockwas sold for a staggering $77 million, setting a record for Chinese classical paintings. This remarkable piece by the artist Wu Bin was crafted back in 1610, and let me tell you, Wu was seriously dedicated—he spent an entire month painting this rock from every angle possible. Talk about going above and beyond for your art!
As if that wasn’t enough, this day in history is also packed with landmark events that shaped our world. In 1781, the British commander Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, turning the tide in favor of American independence. And if that doesn’t get you thinking about how art and history intertwine, 1943 marked the discovery of streptomycin, the first effective antibiotic for tuberculosis. Who knew October 19 was such a powerhouse of milestones?
Now, here’s something to chew on: if you could have any valuable artwork in your home, what would it be? A historical piece like this rock painting, or perhaps a more modern creation? With prices jumping into the millions, it’s a wild thought! Who knows, maybe one day you’ll own a priceless rock painting—or at least, have a rock that’s priceless to you!
