According to the auction house, the result, which included taxes and fees, fell within the initial estimate of 600,000-900,000 euro. Jannis Kounellis painted the work in 1960, using oil on canvas.

The artwork features interspersed letters and numbers, not aligned on a single straight line. This was a recurring theme in the artist's works from 1959 to 1963. Some pieces also included arrows or other symbols.

The work ''Sans titre'', measuring 151 x 202 cm. *Photo: Christie's*

Born in Greece in 1936, Jannis Kounellis was a painter and sculptor known for incorporating everyday materials into his paintings, sculptures, and installations. He is considered a key figure of the Arte Povera movement, an art trend from the late 1960s to early 1970s. This movement utilized 'poor' materials like earth, rags, and branches to challenge commercialism and traditional art.

The artist attended the University of Athens before moving to Italy in 1956. In Rome, he studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti, where he was mentored by painter and poet Toti Scialoja. In the 1950s, he began creating his first paintings. From 1959 to 1963, Kounellis abandoned traditional painting on canvas, favoring natural materials such as burlap, coal, and cotton. From the 1970s onwards, he incorporated theatrical and musical elements into his works.

Artist Jannis Kounellis in Athens, Greece in 2004. *Photo: Baboussis*

Jannis Kounellis participated in numerous renowned exhibitions, including the Biennale Paris, Biennale Venice, and Documenta. His works were also displayed in many museums worldwide. He passed away in Rome, Italy, in February 2017, at the age of 80.

Phuong Linh