The previous record for an American work of art was held by a painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat from 1982. During an auction in 2017, that work fetched more than 100 million euros. The most expensive painting of the twentieth century was previously a work of art by Pablo Picasso entitled Les Femmes d’Alger (about 170 million euros).
Most famous works
The auctioned portrait of Warhol is a silkscreen titled Shot Sage Blue Marilyn. It is one of the most famous works of the American artist. The value was estimated in advance at almost 190 million euros.
In 1964 Warhol made several serigraphs of Monroe, who died two years earlier. Shot Sage Blue Marilyn is part of a series of five identical portraits, but in different colors. Christie’s describes the painting as one of the most important works of art ever.
The artwork is currently owned by a Swiss foundation, whose proceeds aim to improve the lives of children worldwide through health and education programs.
