Move over Picasso, with a pre-sale estimate of $80 million, Edvard Munch’s The Scream, became the highest-priced artwork to ever sell at auction during Sotheby’s Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale. This version of the iconic masterpiece achieved $119,922,500 million.
Painted between 1893 and 1910, the works show an agonized figure against a red sky. The National Gallery, Oslo holds one of two painted versions, which have been the target in several prominent art thefts.
The bidding started around $50 million and lasted for over 15 minutes when an unnamed bidder by phone gave the final offer of US$119,922,500, including commission. Private sales have exceeded The Scream, including The Card Players by Cézanne, which brought $250 million.
Urban Art & Antiques 