A striking 1996 portrait of Oasis frontmen Liam and Noel Gallagher, painted by acclaimed artist Elizabeth Peyton, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s London on June 24, with a staggering estimate of £1.5–2 million (approx. $2–2.7 million USD).
Painted during the peak of Oasis’ fame, Peyton’s work captures the brothers in a tracksuit embrace, evoking their complex relationship—close yet subtly strained. Antonia Gardner, Sotheby’s contemporary art specialist, remarked the portrait feels “so prescient, knowing now how it all ended up.”
The auction’s timing capitalizes on Oasis’s Live ’25 reunion tour, beginning July 4, which triggered a resurgence of Britpop mania and nostalgia among millions of fans who missed out on tickets.
Elizabeth Peyton’s portrayal of subcultural icons is well-known—her 1995 Blue Liam previously sold for $4.07 million, setting a record for her work.
As Oasis reclaims the spotlight with their reunion tour, the Sotheby’s auction of Liam + Noel offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a compelling piece of music history. With its evocative portrayal and record-setting estimate, this portrait stands as a cultural touchstone at the crossroads of Britpop and contemporary art.
