By Alimat Aliyeva

A white canvas worth over $1.5 million has been put up for auction in Germany.

The 1970 work by American minimalist artist Robert Ryman, titled "General 52" x 52" (indicating its size), will be offered for sale at the Ketterer Kunst auction house in Berlin on December 6 and 7.

At first glance, the painting may appear to be completely empty. However, this all-white canvas, framed by a slightly darker white border, was created using white enamel and enamel paints—materials commonly used for painting metal surfaces.

"The material is extremely sensitive, and even the slightest trace on the flawless surface can dramatically decrease the painting’s value," the auction house stated, describing the piece as "in very good condition."

Ryman, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 88, was a pioneer of minimalist art, known for his experimental approach. His works often lacked vibrant colors, instead focusing heavily on varying shades of white, challenging traditional ideas of what constitutes a "painting."

Remarkably, Ryman had no formal art education. Before becoming a renowned artist, he was a jazz pianist and started painting as a hobby while working as a security guard at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His unique path to artistic success adds an intriguing layer to his works, which continue to captivate art lovers and collectors around the world.