In May, we shared some world sweeping, breaking art news with you. As the auction hammer fell this past spring auction records were shattered when the famous artwork, Scream, by Edvard Munch was sold for $119,922,500. The mystery buyer has finally been revealed as NY financier Leon Black.
“The Scream” by Edvard Munch. The 1895 pastel on board, arguably one of the art world’s most recognizable images, will go on view at the Museum of Modern Art in New York beginning Oct. 24, 2012. UNCREDITED / SOTHEBY’S AUCTION HOUSE
Munch created four versions of Scream. Three of the four are in Norway, and the fourth is shortly to be on display at the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in NYC. The fourth (Black’s) version is considered the most colorful of all, with a special frame hand-painted by the artist.
Starting in October 24th, Mr. Black will loan his prized Munch’s 1895 version of Scream from his private collection to the MoMA for a public exhibition. Following a short 5-day stint on exhibition in London, New Yorkers lucked out with this six month show that concludes on April 29th, 2013.
Guards protect Scream at Sotheby’s Museum in London
Because of its exclusivity and known price tag, the security in the museum will be very strict. A desirable object for thieves, Norway has recorded two burglaries of the Scream. In 1994, and again in 2004, the 1893 version of Scream was stolen but later found and recovered. Visitors will be checked and scanned to insure the treasure’s security.
The museum’s protection of this painting is sure to be a sight, but the security isn’t the main attraction, Scream is! Don’t miss the opportunity to visit MoMA to get as close as security will allow to the most expensive artwork ever sold.
-Yekaterina Sahakyan
