NEW YORK: A stunning nude that is the largest painting produced by Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani sold for US$157.2 million (RM622 million) in New York on Monday, becoming the fourth most expensive work of art sold at auction. Bidding was restrained, lasting three to four minutes and opening at US$125 million before auctioneer Helena Newman brought the hammer down at US$139 million. The price chalks up a healthy profit for its seller, who acquired the picture in 2003 for US$26.9 million. Most of the former are found in museums, such as The Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Simon Shaw, co-head of impressionist and modern art at Sotheby's, said the painting sold Monday, while rooted in tradition, reflected the changing status of women during World War I.

Source: New Strait Times May 15, 2018 02:26 UTC