It’s the most expensive 20th century artwork ever sold.
Pablo Picasso ’s " Les Femmes d’Alger ( Version O ) " is no longer the most expensive 20th hundred oeuvre of artistic creation ever sold . That artwork ’s wopping $ 179.4 million sales agreement damage has just been beaten .
One of Andy Warhol ’s portrayal of Marilyn Monroe just shattered the previous Picasso record by over $ 15 million , selling to an unknown purchaser for $ 195 million at Christie ’s auction bridge sign in New York City . The art , cite " Shot Sage Blue Marilyn " and dated back to 1964 , is part of a series of silk - CRT screen portraits Warhol created after Monroe ’s demise in 1962 . They ’re found on a motion picture still from the movieNiagarastarring Monroe .
" Tonight was a historical night for Christie ’s and for the full contemporary artwork market place , " Alex Rotter , Christie ’s president of 20th and 21st century nontextual matter , said in a affirmation . " The record - conk out sale of Warhol ’s iconic portrait of Marilyn from the Collection of Thomas and Doris Ammann is a testament to the strength , the vibrancy , and the overall excitement of the art food market today . This sale demonstrates the pervasive power of Andy Warhol as well as the lasting legacy that he continues leave behind in the fine art world , popular culture , and smart set . "
Photo courtesy of Christie’s
According toThe New York Times , the bidding took property in just under four minutes Christie ’s New York auction firm . The proceeds from the sale will be donated to charities that leave educational and aesculapian services to minor , and the artwork ’s buyer has been invited by the auction sale house to actively participate in the foundation ’s delegation for children ’s assistance . In accession — pending the foundation ’s approval — the buyer will be able to decide which charity and organizations will receive 20 % of the sales event ’s yield .
In addition to " Les Femmes d’Alger ( Version O ) , " Warhol ’s " Shot Sage Blue Marilyn " also eclipsed the vendue sale price of an untitledJean - Michel Basquiat skull painting , which move for $ 110.5 million in 2017 .
" For 250 years , Christie ’s has proudly stewarded the greatest art objects throughout generation and tonight , we yet again made story , " Marc Porter , Christie ’s chair , say in a statement . " The funds that we have raised tonight with the sale of this dainty collection will go directly toward improving the wellness and well - being of children and young adults . Philanthropic initiatives are of the utmost importance to our core values at Christie ’s ; we consider giving back to our orbicular community to be essential . It has been a true perquisite and honor to work so closely with The Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation in organise such a generous sale . "
