A 1932 Picasso painting sold for $106.5 million — a world-record auction price for a work of art — at Christie’s tonight. The painting, Nu au Plateau de Sculpteur (Nude, Green Leaves and Bust), was created by the painter in a single day and features Picasso’s mistress, Marie-Therese Walter. The winning bid came via telephone, but the Christie’s expert who took the call declined to say who he was bidding for. If this is a Mother’s Day gift, the buyer’s siblings are screwed.
Picasso Sells at Auction for $106.5 Million, a Record for a Work of Art [Arts Beat/NYT]