NEW YORK, May 3: Edvard Munch’s iconic painting ‘The Scream’, considered one of the most recognizable in art world, was sold for over USD 119 million, creating a new record for the highest price ever paid for a work of art at any auction.
The painting, depicting image of a man holding his head and his mouth wide open, was sold for USD 119,922,500, which includes the premium paid to Sotheby’s at the auction held here yesterday.
The auction house did not release the name or any other details of the buyer. The bidder was participating in the auction through phone.
“A seminal image of the pulsating anguish of modernity, The Scream is among the most recognizable images in the history of art,” Sotheby’s said.
Till now Pablo Picasso’s ‘Nude, Green Leaves and Bust’ was the most expensive painting ever sold. It was bought for USD 106.5 million at a Christie’s auction in 2010.
At over USD 119 million, Munch’s 1895 painting has become the highest-priced artwork to ever sell at auction. The painting was estimated to sell for at least USD 80 million.
Bidding at the packed Sotheby’s auction started at USD 40 million with bidders from the US and China competing for the sunset-colored portrait which is in its original frame.
The painting is one of the four versions that Munch created and the only one still in private hands. The other three are housed in the National Gallery of Oslo and the Munch museum in the Norwegian capital.
The painting is being sold by Norwegian businessman Petter Olsen, whose father is believed to have been Munch’s friend and neighbour. (PTI)
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