In November 2017, notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein began showing interest in the price of a painting that was located in his Paris apartment. By March of the following year, this artwork was auctioned at Christie's for over 600,000 pounds, translating to more than 700,000 euros. The auction's success raises questions about both the artwork's provenance and its connection to Latvia, linking the narrative to the country’s cultural output and the implications of associating with a controversial figure.

The painting’s estimated value was set between 600,000 and 800,000 British pounds, which is approximately between 691,000 and 922,000 euros. Epstein agreed to a reserve price of 500,000 pounds (about 576,000 euros), indicating a strategic decision in the auction process that could have implications regarding the market value of artworks connected to infamous individuals. This event not only highlights the art market's complexities but also raises ethical questions about ownership and the value of art in the hands of unsavory characters.

The sale thus not only propels a Latvian artist into the international spotlight but also sparks discussions on how the legacy of artists can be affected by the actions of their artworks' owners. The potential for backlash against the artist due to their association with Epstein exemplifies the delicate balance artists must navigate in the contemporary art world, where the reputations of owners can overshadow the merit of the art itself.