$80 Scream

[Gob]

A version of one of the most recognisable images in the world – Edvard Munch's The Scream – is to be sold by Sotheby's in New York.



The auction house said it could fetch more than $80m (£50m), which would make it one of the most expensive artworks ever sold at auction.

The pastel work is one of four versions created by the Norwegian artist using different techniques, and the only one in private hands. Simon Shaw, head of the impressionist and modern art department at Sotheby's in New York, said: "Munch's The Scream is the defining image of modernity, and it is an immense privilege for Sotheby's to be entrusted with one of the most important works of art in private hands.

"Instantly recognisable, this is one of very few images which transcends art history and reaches a global consciousness. The Scream arguably embodies even greater power today than when it was conceived.

"At a time of great critical interest in the artist, and with the 150th anniversary of his birth in 2013, this spring is a particularly compelling time for The Scream to appear on the market. For collectors and institutions, the opportunity to acquire such a singularly influential masterpiece is unprecedented in recent times."

Shaw said it was difficult to predict the value of The Scream but recent sales suggested the price could exceed $80m at the 2 May auction. That would place it alongside auction record holders, such as Picasso's Nude, Green Leaves and Bust, which holds the current record after it sold for $106m at Christie's in New York in May 2010. That broke the previous record of $104.3m paid three months earlier for Giacometti's Walking Man I at Sotheby's in London.

The Scream is owned by Norwegian businessman Petter Olsen – of the Olsen shipping family – whose father, Thomas, was a friend and patron of Munch and acquired it to boost the artist's reputation overseas. Olsen said: "I have lived with this work all my life, and its power and energy have only increased with time.

"Now, however, I feel the moment has come to offer the rest of the world a chance to own and appreciate this remarkable work, which is the only version of The Scream not in the collection of a Norwegian museum."

He added: "I am concerned as an environmentalist about man's relationship with nature, and I feel The Scream makes an important statement about this."

[Sean]

But you said I could get this for $80 dammit!

I will pay $100 but I expect you to pay the difference to make up for your error.

[Sue U]

I will give it to you for $75, plus shipping, but you'll have to pay in advance. I will even print it out for you on the "good" color copier in the file room. (I will offer the same terms to anyone else interested, as well.)

[Sean]

Sweet! I'll get the money as quick as I can Sue. I'll have to sell one of these bridges I bought with my life savings from Lord Jim.

Would you be interested in a swap deal?

[Lord Jim]

If you're short on cash Sean, I'll be happy to front you the $100...

I have a cashier's check for $1000 that I'll wire for deposit to you, just as soon as you provide me with your bank deposit info....

Then you go ahead and keep $100 for yourself withdraw the other $900 and wire it to me via Western Union...

It's no problem, I trust you; just be sure you don't take too long...

[Sean]

But I have already given you my bank account details, PIN and internet banking password...

Don't you remember? You needed to be sure that I had the money to buy those bridges...

[Gob]

I can seewhere the confusion lies now, sorry Sean, I outbid you on Jim's bridge sale, you'll get the money back when I pay up.

I'm just waiting for the Readers Digest to send me the cheque for $250,000 I have already won.

[Sean]

Nice try pal!

I already have the deeds to the bridges...