New York Times Says Elaine Wynn Bought the $142.4 Million Dollar Francis Bacon Painting Hanging in Portland

Piece cites art world insiders as source.

TRAVELING TRIPTYCH: Francis Bacon's Three Studies of Lucian Freud is at the Portland Art Museum until March 30.

Apparently what's bought in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. Elaine Wynn, ex-wife of Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn, was named by the New York Times as the buyer of the $142.4 million Francis Bacon painting, Three Studies of Lucian Freud, currently on display at the Portland Art Museum.

Steve Wynn had been suspected early of being the owner of the painting. He denied these rumors explicitly. In addition, Portland Art Museum curator Bruce Guenther told the New York Times that the owner lived on the West Coast, leading to speculation among the few potential suspects, including in the pages of Willamette Week.

Both Wynns, however, live between Las Vegas and New York. Steve Wynn, most famous for building the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas, was for years an avid high-end art collector with his then his ex-wife Elaine, with holdings including Picassos, Cezannes and Gauguins. The two split their art collection following their second divorce. 

Though the New York Times piece identified Elaine Wynn as the buyer, it did not name sources, nor has Elaine Wynn yet confirmed the story.



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