Anthony Bourdain purchased a painting a few days before reportedly being found dead in his hotel room in France, and the title of it is chilling.
The American chef, author and television personality was found unresponsive in his hotel room.
According to reports, it’s understood the chef took his own life.
CNN confirmed his death today (June 8) with a statement which read:
It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain.
His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller.
His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.
Last week, Bourdain is said to have purchased a work of art from American artist, John Lurie, who said he was just beginning to become friends with Bourdain before his death.
The picture in question can be seen below in a tweet the artist shared:
"The sky is falling, I am learning to live with it."
Now in the collection of Anthony Bourdain. pic.twitter.com/AOMpxurOKI— John Lurie (@lurie_john) May 30, 2018
The painting Bourdain purchased is titled:
The sky is falling, and I am learning to live with it.
The US artist turned to Twitter this afternoon to express his sorrow at the news of Bourdain’s death:
oh no Anthony Bourdain
I can't believe this— John Lurie (@lurie_john) June 8, 2018
We were just becoming friends. One of the few people I have been remotely interested in becoming friends with in years.
I am supposed to see him on Wednesday.
This is too fucked— John Lurie (@lurie_john) June 8, 2018
Anthony Bourdain walked into my home without a hint of ego.
I loved him in seconds.
A truly decent man.
We needed him.— John Lurie (@lurie_john) June 8, 2018
Lurie wrote:
I can’t believe this. We were just becoming friends. One of the few people I have been remotely interested in becoming friends with in years.
Anthony Bourdain walking into my home without a hint of ego. I loved him in seconds. A truly decent man. We needed him.
Bourdain was reportedly working on his CNN series Parts Unknown in France, when he was found unresponsive by his friend and French chef, Eric Ripert.
Anthony Bourdain was a master of many arts; he excelled in the kitchen, and went on to become an author and television personality.
Chefs and TV personalities from across the world have been paying their respects.
Gordon Ramsay tweeted to say:
Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain. He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food.
Remember that help is a phone call away US:1-800-273-TALK UK: 116 123
Christine Teigen was another who paid respect to the celebrity chef.
Taking to Twitter, she wrote an emotional message:
Anthony. One of my idols. Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet.
Thank you for making food so exciting. And always standing up for everything right. Horrible. Why why why. Be at peace now :(
Anthony. One of my idols. Unapologetic, passionate and one of the best storytellers on the planet. Thank you for making food so exciting. And always standing up for everything right. Horrible. Why why why. Be at peace now :(
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) June 8, 2018
Stunned and saddened by the loss of Anthony Bourdain. He brought the world into our homes and inspired so many people to explore cultures and cities through their food. Remember that help is a phone call away US:1-800-273-TALK UK: 116 123
— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) June 8, 2018
I ate with Bourdain. Probably 2004. He was big even then but he took time to sit with me in Chinatown to talk “weird” food for a magazine piece I was writing. He taught me that our “weird” is the world’s delicious. We ate chicken feet. The afternoon vibrated with life. RIP
— John Hodgman (@hodgman) June 8, 2018
Fans of the chef have been sharing their condolences and memories of him on Twitter.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media:
"As you move through life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. In return, life and travel leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks on your body or on your heart are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.”
― Anthony Bourdain
— Ines (@inihelene) June 8, 2018
Man it just goes to show you never really know what somebody's going through. Rest in peace, Anthony Bourdain.
— Kali Vidanes (@kalividanes) June 8, 2018
RIP Anthony Bourdain. Such a huge inspiration for us and world travelers. Broken by today’s news. Thank you for your invaluable work in connecting the world’s cultures ❤️?
— Yes Theory (@YesTheory) June 8, 2018
CNN premiered season 11 of Parts Unknown last month.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues, and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.
Emily Brown first began delivering important news stories aged just 13, when she launched her career with a paper round. She graduated with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University, and went on to become a freelance writer and blogger. Emily contributed to The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Student Problems before becoming a journalist at UNILAD, where she works on breaking news as well as longer form features.