What can $120 million buy? A mansion? A small island? A comic?
The Scream, painted in 1895 by artist Edvard Munch, is the most famous piece of art in the world. On Wednesday, the previous owner of the painting, a rich businessman, decided to put up the painting for auction at Sotheby’s.
The auction house thought The Scream would go for $80 million dollars – still a hefty sum – but it’s nothing compared to the $120 million that an anonymous buyer paid for it, breaking the record for most expensive piece of art sold at an auction house! No wonder everyone present clapped and cheered when the piece was sold.
The funny thing is that Edvard Munch actually made four versions of the painting, so it’s not exactly one-of-a-kind. One thing that does set this particular one apart from the rest is that there’s a poem on the frame, written by the artist, explaining his inspiration for the painting. The previous owner just happens to own the other three versions.
Congrats on your purchase, Mr Anonymous! Here’s hoping the painting will bring more joy to your life than money ever could.