Edward Munch's classic painting sold U.S. $ 120 million

A painting by the Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch, The Scream, became the most expensive painting was auctioned at Sotheby's auction house in New York.

Pastel painting made ​​in 1853 were initially offered at U.S. $ 50 million but was later sold at a price of U.S. $ 120 million. Seven of the bidders had to bid but only in the last competition between the two applicants who bid by telephone.

This painting is one of the four series of paintings by Munch is still privately owned. Three other versions of The Scream owned a number of museums in Norway. But Sotheby's said the painting that was auctioned was the most colorful of the four paintings. This painting is also the only one that contains the work of Munch's poems written in the frame.

In popular culture, The Scream has become one of the most famous works. Two other versions of The Scream had been stolen in 1994 and 2004. But both have been found. Previously, Sotheby's auctioned the most expensive painting is a painting by Picasso Nude, Green Leaves and Bust a pada2006 sold at a price of U.S. $ 106 million.