Considered one of the most recognisable paintings in the world, Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” was sold for over US$119.9 million. Sold at Sotheby’s in New York on Wednesday night with a reported estimated value of $80 million dollars, it took all of 12 minutes for the anonymous telephone bidder to walk away with the iconic image often found postered in college residences.
One of only four versions, the 1895 painting was sold by Norwegian businessman and shipping heir Petter Olsen, whose father was both friend and patron of the artist. Proceeds of the sale will help fund a museum, art centre, and hotel in Hvitsten, Norway.
Munch’s record-breaker tops the five most expensive artworks ever sold at auction. Let’s take a look at the others:
2. Pablo Picasso’s 1932 “Nude, Green Leaves, and Bust.” Sold by Christie’s in 2010 for US$106.5 million.
3. Pablo Picasso’s 1905 “Garçon à la Pipe.” Sold by Sotheby’s in 2004 for over US$104 million.
4.Pablo Picasso’s 1941 “Dora Maar au Chat.” Sold by Sotheby’s in 2006 for over US$95 million
5. Gustav Klimt’s 1912 “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II.” Sold by Christie’s in 2006 for over US$87 million.
