Three Van Gogh works totaled $154m at New York auction

Owning a Vincent van Gogh piece of art is irresistible for many collectors, especially when it comes from a reputable gallery.

A trio of works, evidence to Van Gogh's exploding  creativity especially in the last stage of his life, sold for a total of $154 million at Christie's in New York on Nov 11. They were all from the collection of Edwin Lochridge Cox, the US businessman, art collector and philanthropist who died a year ago.

Cabanes de bois parmi les oliviers et cyprès (Wooden huts among olive trees and cypresses), which Van Gogh painted in 1889, fetched $71.35 million. The oil painting brings to life the landscape of southern France as Van Gogh combined two of his favorite motifs -- olive tree and cypress, other than the sunflower -- to symbolize vigor and power.

Jeune homme au bleuet (Young man with blueberries), created two months before Van Gogh's death, reflects his passion about producing portraits in a highly expressive manner. The oil painting sold for $46.73 million.

Meules de blé (Wheat wheels), a gouache and watercolor on paper, depicts a rural scene of harvest seasons that Van Gogh captured with exhilaration. It was hammered at the price of $35.86 million.