The only privately-owned version of Edvard Munch's classic masterpiece The Scream has fetched a record-breaking $119.9 million (Rs 640 crore) at an auction on Wednesday
The only privately-owned version of Edvard Munch’s classic masterpiece The Scream has fetched a record-breaking $119.9 million (Rs 640 crore) at an auction on Wednesday.
Scream dream: The painting was only expected to fetch $80 million (Rs 427 crore). pic/afp
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The famous image, which features a haunted figure in front of a red backdrop, surpassed estimates to become the most expensive work of art to be sold at auction following the sale in New York. It is one of four versions created by the Norwegian expressionist painter. The pastel work, which is one of the most recognisable images in the world, had been expected to fetch at least $80 million (Rs 427 crore) at the Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale at Sotheby’s.
But it was finally snapped up for the world record amount by a phone bidder following a 12 minute bidding war. The price includes the buyer’s premium.
“World record,” announced auctioneer Tobias Meyer after bringing down the hammer.
The previous record for an artwork sold at auction was $106 million (Rs 565 crore) for Picasso’s Nude, Green Leaves, and Bust, which sold at Christie’s in New York in May 2010.
Art that makes you scream!
The Scream went for $119.9 million (Rs 640 crore) at auction in New York yesterday -- but which other artworks have commanded top prices?
>> Nude, Green Leaves and Bust by Pablo Picasso was sold for£68 m (Rs 565 crore)
>> L’Homme Qui Marche (Walking Man 1) by Alberto Giacometti went for £65.7 million
>> Garcon a la Pipe by Pablo Picasso auctioned off at £65.6 millionu00a0
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