The Seasons [proof]

1988

“False Start” sells for $17.05 million

In 1988 False Start (1959) was sold at Sotheby's to Samuel I. Newhouse Jr. for $17.05 million, a record at the time for a work by a living artist at auction and the second highest price paid for an artwork at auction in the United States.

1988

Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale

In 1988 Johns received the highest honour of the 43rd Venice Biennale, the Golden Lion, for his exhibition in the United States pavilion.

1990

Elected to the National Academy of Design

In 1990, the year he was awarded the National Medal of Arts, Johns was elected an associate national academician of the National Academy of Design.

1990s

Settles in Sharon, Connecticut

Since the 1990s Johns has lived and worked in Sharon, Connecticut. After his death he plans to turn the 170-acre property into a residency providing live-work space for 18 to 24 visual artists, poets, musicians and dancers at a time.