Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe portrait fetches record $195M at auction
ByMichelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe portrait fetches record $195M at Christie’s auction Earlier this year, Christie's auction house estimated that “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” could sell for up to $200 million. (NCD)
(NCD)
ByMichelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
NEW YORK — Andy Warhol’s “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn,” a silk-screen image of actress Marilyn Monroe, set two records Monday when it fetched $195 million at a Christie’s auction in New York, the company said.
According to The Associated Press, an unnamed bidder won the iconic 1964 portrait, which fetched the highest price of any American artwork ever auctioned. It also became the most expensive 20th century piece sold at an auction, Christie’s said in a news release. The U.S. record had been held by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s 1982 painting “Untitled,” which went for $110.5 million in 2017, while Pablo Picasso’s “Women of Algiers (Version O)” set the previous 20th century record when it sold for $179.4 million in 2015, NPR reported.
Christie’s said proceeds will benefit the Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation Zurich, which offered the Warhol piece and several others during the 36-lot sale Monday.
“Tonight was a historic night for Christie’s and for the entire contemporary art market,” Alex Rotter, chairman of 20th and 21st century art for Christie’s, said in a statement Monday. “The record-breaking 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 market today. This sale demonstrates the pervasive power of Andy Warhol as well as the lasting legacy that he continues leave behind in the art world, popular culture and society.”
In March, the auction house estimated that “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” could sell for up to $200 million, the AP reported.
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years Here are some memorable photos of actress Marilyn Monroe through the years. (AP Photo/Matty Zimmerman)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1928: Marilyn Monroe is pictured here in her childhood days, in 1928. (AP Photo)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1945: This is a 1945 photo of entertainer and producer George Jessel attending the opening of George White's "Scandals" with actress Marilyn Monroe at the Florentine Theatre Restaraunt in Hollywood, Calif. (AP Photo/Edward Widdis)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1947: Marilyn Monroe poses in a bathing suit in 1947 at age 21 at the start of her career. (AP Photo)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1950: Marilyn Monroe is shown in this September 1950 photo. (AP Photo)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1953: Actress Marilyn Monroe tries on a new costume for her latest film "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," as designer Billy Travilla studies the effect, in Hollywood, Feb. 2, 1953. Travilla created all the costumes she wears in the film. (AP Photo)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1954: In this Jan. 14, 1954, file photo, New York Yankees' Joe DiMaggio, right, poses with actress Marilyn Monroe as they wait for their marriage ceremony in San Francisco. (AP Photo, File)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1954: Marilyn Monroe plays a saloon entertainer in this scene from the 1954 film "River of No Return." (AP Photo)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1954: Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum in Otto Preminger's "River of No Return" in 1954. (AP Photo)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1954: Marilyn Monroe poses over the updraft of a New York subway grating while in character for the filming of "The Seven Year Itch" in Manhattan on September 9, 1954. (AP Photo/Matty Zimmerman)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1956: Actress Marilyn Monroe and playwright Arthur Miller embrace on the lawn of Miller's home in Roxbury, Conn., on June 29, 1956, several hours before they were married in White Plains, New York. (AP Photo)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1957: Actress Marilyn Monroe, escorted by her husband, playwright Arthur Miller, wears a big smile and waves to the crowd on arrival at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City, June 13, 1957, to attend the premiere of her movie, "The Prince and the Showgirl." Members of the 71st regiment honor guard are at left. (AP Photo/Matty Zimmerman)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1961: Actress Marilyn Monroe and ex-husband, former New York Yankees ball player Joe DiMaggio, enjoy a day together on the beach at Belleair, Fla., March 29, 1961. (AP Photo/Harry Harris)
Photos: Marilyn Monroe through the years 1962: This April 1962 file photo shows actress Marilyn Monroe on the set of her last movie, "Something's Got to Give," in Los Angeles. (AP Photo, File)
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