The year is coming to a close...What were the top auctioned off pieces of art in 2012?
Even with a volatile global economy, people paid a total of $594.6 million for the top 10 pieces of art in 2012, up 44% over the $413.6 million in 2011.
Here's a look at some interesting works of art from that list:
Edvard Munch: "The Scream"
1. Edvard Munch's "The Scream" sold for $119.9 million at Sothebuy's on 5/2/12. This is the all time highest amount paid for a work of art at auction, beating out the $106.50 million paid in 5/2010 for one of Pablo Picasso's paintings.
The picture was consigned by Norwegian businessman Petter Olsen, whose father, Thomas, was a friend, neighbor and patron of the artist. It was bought by Apollo Global Management co- founder Leon Black, according to the Wall Street Journal. Black is also a trustee of the Museum of Modern Art, where “The Scream” is on view until April 29, 2013.
2. Mark Rothko's "Orange, Red & Yellow: $86.9 million at Christie's auction. This was more than another Rothko that sold for $72.8 million in 2007.
3. Rothko also takes spot #3 for "No.1 (Royal Red & Blue) for $75.1 on 11/13/12 also sold at Christie's. Interesting that it was sold in 1982 for $500,000.
6. Roy Lichenstein's "Sleeping Girl" sold for $44.9 million at Sotheby's in New York City on 5/9/12.
8. Andy Warhol's 1962 work "Statue of Liberty" sold for $43.8 million at Christie's on 11/14/12. Designed to be viewed through 3-D glasses.
9. Claude Monet's painting of water lilies sold for $43.8 million dollars on 11/5/12. Orginallly painted in 1905.
Roy Lichenstein: "Sleeping Girl"
10. Pablo Picasso's "Nature Morte aux Tulipes" was painted in 1932 and sold on 11/8/12 for $41.5 million.
Andy Warhol: "Statue of Liberty"