Nude Bea Arthur Painting Update: Jimmy Kimmel Bought It

As BWW previously reported, an anonymous bidder at a Christie's auction on May 15 paid $1.9 million for a nude painting of Bea Arthur from 1991. Turns out that 'someone' was Jimmy Kimmel.

Jeffrey Ross made the announcement via Twitter today, posting the photo to the left (which has been cropped for a number of reasons.) He tweeted: "Biggest surprise of my life. Thank you @JimmyKimmel - the most generous guy in the world!"

"@RealJeffreyRoss Bea is watching over us, but especially you." Kimmel replied.

Arthur reportedly did not sit for John Currin's portrait, despite the high price tag on the piece.

Regardless, Ross now has quite the mantelpiece.

For Pat Cerasaro's original coverage of the sale, click here.

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