<p>Dmitry Rybolovlev, the 180th richest person globally, with an estimated fortune of $11.4 billion,&nbsp;is set to accuse Sotheby's of aiding art dealer Yves Bouvier in a scheme that allegedly misled him into overpaying for artworks, including the renowned Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci.</p>

<p>Rybolovlev, known for his wealth in potash fertiliser and ownership of AS Monaco, is suing Sotheby's in New York, claiming the auction house inflated the estimated values of artworks, including pieces by Gustav Klimt, Amedeo Modigliani, and René Magritte.</p>

<p>The legal battle stems from Rybolovlev's discovery that art broker Yves Bouvier, who assisted in acquiring the artworks, allegedly deceived him by purchasing the works at a lower price and charging him a significantly higher amount, leading to claims of fraudulent practices.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/investors-sue-sothebys-justin-bieber-hilton-among-others-as-nft-prices-crash-626542">Also read |&nbsp;Investors sue Sotheby's, Justin Bieber, Hilton among others as NFT prices crash</a></p>

<h2><strong>Legal saga spans multiple jurisdictions</strong></h2>

<p>Rybolovlev initiated legal action against Bouvier in various countries, accusing the art adviser of misleading him over the value of 38 artworks.&nbsp;Last month, Rybolovlev and Bouvier settled the claims out of court, leaving Sotheby's in the spotlight.</p>

<p>The case, scheduled in Manhattan federal court, alleges that Sotheby's "aided and abetted Bouvier in committing fraud and breaching his fiduciary duties." Sotheby's denies the accusations, asserting adherence to legal requirements and industry best practices.</p>

<p>US district court judge Jesse Furman ruled that Sotheby's must face fraud-related claims on the sales of four works: Salvator Mundi, Tête, Wasserschlangen II, and Le Domaine d’Arnheim, paving the way for a trial beginning this week.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Sotheby's to auction rare Baghdadi astrolabe</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sothebys-to-auction-rare-baghdadi-astrolabe-650333/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Sotheby's spokesperson has denied&nbsp;any knowledge of alleged misconduct, insisting on adherence to legal requirements and financial obligations during the artwork transactions, according to The Guardian.</p>

<p>Rybolovlev sold Salvator Mundi for $450m in 2017, making it the most expensive painting ever sold. The painting, now owned by Mohammed bin Salman, has faced authenticity concerns, delaying its planned showcase in a Louvre gallery in Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Dmitry Rybolovlev, the 180th richest person globally, with an estimated fortune of $11.4 billion, is set to accuse Sotheby's of aiding art dealer Yves Bouvier in a scheme that allegedly misled him into overpaying for artworks, including the renowned Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci.

Dmitry Rybolovlev, the 180th richest person globally, with an estimated fortune of $11.4 billion, is set to accuse Sotheby's of aiding art dealer Yves Bouvier in a scheme that allegedly misled him into overpaying for artworks, including the renowned Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci. Rybolovlev, known for his wealth in potash fertiliser and ownership of AS Monaco, is suing Sotheby's in New York, claiming the auction house inflated the estimated values of artworks, including pieces by Gustav Klimt, Amedeo Modigliani, and René Magritte. The legal battle stems from Rybolovlev's discovery that art broker Yves Bouvier, who assisted in acquiring the artworks, allegedly deceived him by purchasing the works at a lower price and charging him a significantly higher amount, leading to claims of fraudulent practices. Also read | Investors sue Sotheby's, Justin Bieber, Hilton among others as NFT prices crash Legal saga spans multiple jurisdictions Rybolovlev initiated legal action against Bouvier in various countries, accusing the art adviser of misleading him over the value of 38 artworks. Last month, Rybolovlev and Bouvier settled the claims out of court, leaving Sotheby's in the spotlight. The case, scheduled in Manhattan federal court, alleges that Sotheby's "aided and abetted Bouvier in committing fraud and breaching his fiduciary duties." Sotheby's denies the accusations, asserting adherence to legal requirements and industry best practices. US district court judge Jesse Furman ruled that Sotheby's must face fraud-related claims on the sales of four works: Salvator Mundi, Tête, Wasserschlangen II, and Le Domaine d’Arnheim, paving the way for a trial beginning this week. Also watch | Sotheby's to auction rare Baghdadi astrolabe Sotheby's spokesperson has denied any knowledge of alleged misconduct, insisting on adherence to legal requirements and financial obligations during the artwork transactions, according to The Guardian. Rybolovlev sold Salvator Mundi for $450m in 2017, making it the most expensive painting ever sold. The painting, now owned by Mohammed bin Salman, has faced authenticity concerns, delaying its planned showcase in a Louvre gallery in Abu Dhabi. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian billionaire accuses Sotheby’s of art fraud collusion in high-stakes legal battle

<p>A bottle of The Macallan 1926 set the record for the world’s most expensive bottle of whisky after being sold at an auction in London for $2.7 million. The single malt whisky went under the hammer for a record-setting amount at a Sotheby’s auction, on Saturday (Nov 18) and is said to be one of the world’s most sought-after bottles of Scotch whisky.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘New record’ for ‘oldest vintage’</strong></h2>

<p>The rare bottle had been expected to raise $934,275 and $1.49 million but surpassed estimates to fetch a whopping $2.7 million, more than double its estimated price. The sale set a “new record for any bottle of spirit or wine sold at auction,” Sotheby’s told news agency AFP.</p>

<p>The Adami 1926 is the oldest Macallan vintage ever produced. It is also worth noting that this is not the first time that a Macallan 1926 bottle has fetched a record-breaking amount at an auction.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rare-1918-us-stamp-inverted-jenny-sells-for-record-breaking-2-million-658807">Rare 1918 US stamp with ‘Inverted Jenny’ plane error sold for record-breaking $2 million</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2019, one of the Macallan 1926 bottles went under the hammer for a whopping $1.86 million and set the previous record for the most expensive bottle ever sold.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What makes this whisky so special?</strong></h2>

<p>Sotheby’s head of whisky, Jonny Fowle, told AFP that he had been allowed to sample the valuable dram before the sale.</p>

<p>Fowle said: “I tasted a tiny drop – a tiny drop – of this. It’s very rich, it’s got a lot of dried fruit as you would expect, a lot of spice, a lot of wood.”</p>

<p>He added it had spent 60 years in dark European oak, which was reflected in the colour. “It’s not a whisky to take lightly. It’s a rich, rich dram, but it is incredible,” Fowle said.</p>

<p>The whisky is said to have spent around six decades maturing in dark oak sherry casks before becoming one of just 40 bottled in 1986. However, not all were for sale as some were offered to The Macallan’s top clients.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Macallan distillery is based in Moray, northern Scotland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Macallan 1926 is the one whisky that every auctioneer wants to sell and every collector wants to own,” Fowle had said ahead of the auction last month.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dubai-p7-number-plate-sold-for-a-record-breaking-amount-580916">Dubai P7, world's most expensive number plate, sold for a record breaking amount</a></strong><br />
<br />
According to Sotheby’s, the labels for the 40 bottles from the 1926 cask are different. Two bottles did not have labels, while around 14 were decorated with the iconic Fine and Rare labels and a dozen were labelled by pop artist Sir Peter Blake.</p>

<p>So far, the record has been broken three times between 2018 and 2019 by three of the different variations – Sir Peter Blake, Michael Dillon, and Fine and Rare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This time around, it is one of the 12 Macallan 1926 bottles that in 1993 had their labels designed by the Italian painter Valerio Adami.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is also believed that out of all these bottles, only one has been opened and consumed while one is said to be destroyed during the Japanese earthquake of 2011 and another is unaccounted for.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A bottle of The Macallan 1926 set the record for the world’s most expensive bottle of whisky after being sold at an auction in London for $2.7 million. The single malt whisky went under the hammer for a record-setting amount at a Sotheby’s auction, on Saturday (Nov 18) and is said to be one of the world’s most sought-after bottles of Scotch whisky.

A bottle of The Macallan 1926 set the record for the world’s most expensive bottle of whisky after being sold at an auction in London for $2.7 million. The single malt whisky went under the hammer for a record-setting amount at a Sotheby’s auction, on Saturday (Nov 18) and is said to be one of the world’s most sought-after bottles of Scotch whisky. ‘New record’ for ‘oldest vintage’ The rare bottle had been expected to raise $934,275 and $1.49 million but surpassed estimates to fetch a whopping $2.7 million, more than double its estimated price. The sale set a “new record for any bottle of spirit or wine sold at auction,” Sotheby’s told news agency AFP. The Adami 1926 is the oldest Macallan vintage ever produced. It is also worth noting that this is not the first time that a Macallan 1926 bottle has fetched a record-breaking amount at an auction. ALSO READ | Rare 1918 US stamp with ‘Inverted Jenny’ plane error sold for record-breaking $2 million In 2019, one of the Macallan 1926 bottles went under the hammer for a whopping $1.86 million and set the previous record for the most expensive bottle ever sold. What makes this whisky so special? Sotheby’s head of whisky, Jonny Fowle, told AFP that he had been allowed to sample the valuable dram before the sale. Fowle said: “I tasted a tiny drop – a tiny drop – of this. It’s very rich, it’s got a lot of dried fruit as you would expect, a lot of spice, a lot of wood.” He added it had spent 60 years in dark European oak, which was reflected in the colour. “It’s not a whisky to take lightly. It’s a rich, rich dram, but it is incredible,” Fowle said. The whisky is said to have spent around six decades maturing in dark oak sherry casks before becoming one of just 40 bottled in 1986. However, not all were for sale as some were offered to The Macallan’s top clients. The Macallan distillery is based in Moray, northern Scotland. “The Macallan 1926 is the one whisky that every auctioneer wants to sell and every collector wants to own,” Fowle had said ahead of the auction last month. ALSO READ | Dubai P7, world's most expensive number plate, sold for a record breaking amount According to Sotheby’s, the labels for the 40 bottles from the 1926 cask are different. Two bottles did not have labels, while around 14 were decorated with the iconic Fine and Rare labels and a dozen were labelled by pop artist Sir Peter Blake. So far, the record has been broken three times between 2018 and 2019 by three of the different variations – Sir Peter Blake, Michael Dillon, and Fine and Rare. This time around, it is one of the 12 Macallan 1926 bottles that in 1993 had their labels designed by the Italian painter Valerio Adami. It is also believed that out of all these bottles, only one has been opened and consumed while one is said to be destroyed during the Japanese earthquake of 2011 and another is unaccounted for. (With inputs from agencies)

Macallan 1926: Rare whisky becomes world’s most expensive as bottle goes for record $2.7mn at auction

<p>A jumper famously worn by Britain’s late Princess Diana, featuring a black sheep design, is set to be auctioned later this summer, with an estimated price range of up to US$80,000.</p>

<p>The sweater, designed by Warm &amp; Wonderful, will be the highlight of Sotheby's Fashion Icons online sale from August 31 to September 14, reported Reuters.</p>

<p>Discovered earlier this year in an attic by one of the brand's founders, this garment carries historical significance and sparks curiosity about its meaning.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The iconic jumper</strong></h2>

<p>The red jumper, adorned with a lone black sheep among rows of white sheep, was first worn by Princess Diana in June 1981, just a month before her wedding to Prince Charles. This sparked speculation about its symbolic meaning. The sweater's distinctive design became an iconic fashion statement associated with Princess Diana.</p>

<p>After it sustained damage on the wrist, Princess Diana's private secretary, Oliver Everett, contacted Joanna Osborne, co-founder of Warm &amp; Wonderful, requesting repairs for the jumper.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diana-princess-of-waless-10-iconic-jewellery-moments-610868">Diana, Princess Of Wales’ 10 iconic jewellery moments</a></p>

<p>Subsequently, the garment was returned to the brand. A few months later, Diana received a replacement sweater, which she was photographed wearing in 1983. This sequence of events highlighted the significance that the jumper held for Princess Diana.</p>

<h2><strong>Rediscovery and auction</strong></h2>

<p>The original jumper was recently rediscovered by Joanna Osborne in a box in her attic in March. Now, it is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's Fashion Icons sale.</p>

<p>The garment will be accompanied by the two letters exchanged between Oliver Everett and Joanna Osborne, adding to its historical value. The estimated price for the jumper, including the letters, ranges from $50,000 to $80,000.</p>

<p>The fact that Princess Diana, with access to numerous clothing options, requested a replacement for the jumper and continued to wear it two years later indicates the significance it held for her.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;T-rex skeleton: only the third such creature ever put on auction &amp; the first one in Europe&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/t-rex-skeleton-only-the-third-such-creature-ever-put-on-auction-the-first-one-in-europe-details-583950/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Cynthia Houlton, Global Head of Fashion at Sotheby's, told Reuters&nbsp;that this speaks volumes about how much the sweater meant to Princess Diana.</p>

<p>Sotheby's has a history of successful auctions featuring Princess Diana's personal items. In a previous auction, a purple velvet strapless evening gown designed by Victor Edelstein for his autumn 1989 collection was sold for over $600,000, five times its pre-auction estimate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/sothebys-to-auction-dinosaur-skeletons-one-evokes-loch-ness-monster-614725">Sotheby's to auction dinosaur skeletons, including one evoking Loch Ness monster</a></p>

<p>The black sheep jumper, along with the accompanying letters, is currently on display at Sotheby's London until Wednesday.&nbsp;Afterward, it will be showcased in New York in September, allowing enthusiasts and collectors to appreciate this iconic piece of fashion history.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


A jumper famously worn by Britain’s late Princess Diana, featuring a black sheep design, is set to be auctioned later this summer, with an estimated price range of up to US$80,000.

A jumper famously worn by Britain’s late Princess Diana, featuring a black sheep design, is set to be auctioned later this summer, with an estimated price range of up to US$80,000. The sweater, designed by Warm & Wonderful, will be the highlight of Sotheby's Fashion Icons online sale from August 31 to September 14, reported Reuters. Discovered earlier this year in an attic by one of the brand's founders, this garment carries historical significance and sparks curiosity about its meaning. The iconic jumper The red jumper, adorned with a lone black sheep among rows of white sheep, was first worn by Princess Diana in June 1981, just a month before her wedding to Prince Charles. This sparked speculation about its symbolic meaning. The sweater's distinctive design became an iconic fashion statement associated with Princess Diana. After it sustained damage on the wrist, Princess Diana's private secretary, Oliver Everett, contacted Joanna Osborne, co-founder of Warm & Wonderful, requesting repairs for the jumper. Also read | Diana, Princess Of Wales’ 10 iconic jewellery moments Subsequently, the garment was returned to the brand. A few months later, Diana received a replacement sweater, which she was photographed wearing in 1983. This sequence of events highlighted the significance that the jumper held for Princess Diana. Rediscovery and auction The original jumper was recently rediscovered by Joanna Osborne in a box in her attic in March. Now, it is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's Fashion Icons sale. The garment will be accompanied by the two letters exchanged between Oliver Everett and Joanna Osborne, adding to its historical value. The estimated price for the jumper, including the letters, ranges from $50,000 to $80,000. The fact that Princess Diana, with access to numerous clothing options, requested a replacement for the jumper and continued to wear it two years later indicates the significance it held for her. Also watch | T-rex skeleton: only the third such creature ever put on auction & the first one in Europe Cynthia Houlton, Global Head of Fashion at Sotheby's, told Reuters that this speaks volumes about how much the sweater meant to Princess Diana. Sotheby's has a history of successful auctions featuring Princess Diana's personal items. In a previous auction, a purple velvet strapless evening gown designed by Victor Edelstein for his autumn 1989 collection was sold for over $600,000, five times its pre-auction estimate. Also read | Sotheby's to auction dinosaur skeletons, including one evoking Loch Ness monster The black sheep jumper, along with the accompanying letters, is currently on display at Sotheby's London until Wednesday. Afterward, it will be showcased in New York in September, allowing enthusiasts and collectors to appreciate this iconic piece of fashion history. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iconic 'black sheep' jumper worn by Princess Diana set for auction

<p>Sotheby's announced on Tuesday (July 11) that two mounted dinosaur skeletons will be auctioned off later this month in New York. One of the skeletons is of a fierce flying reptile and the other is evocative of the Loch Ness monster.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sotheby's said that the skeleton that evokes the Loch Ness monster is estimated to draw between $600,000 and $800,000 and the flying reptile called pteranodon, with a wing span of about 20 feet, is estimated at $4 million to $6mn.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Auction of flying reptile</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>A plesiosaur was last auctioned in Paris in 2010 and had come from a private collection in Germany at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by AFP, Cassandra Hotton, Sotheby's head of Science and Popular Culture, said that the remains, which are nearly 11 feet long, were found in a quarry in England in 1990. The skeleton is about 75 per cent complete and in exceptional condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palaeontologists have said that the plesiosaur, with its small skull, long neck and flippers, existed around 190 million years ago during the Lower Jurassic period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a news release, Sotheby's said, "The history of the Plesiosaur is also intertwined with the elusive Loch Ness monster of Scottish folklore, as many have drawn morphological comparisons between the Plesiosaur and the infamous 'Nessie,' whose sightings stretch back to the sixth century."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-spot-crazy-nests-made-by-crows-using-bird-repelling-objects-614591">Researchers spot ‘crazy’ nests made by crows using bird-repelling objects</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Named Horus after an Egyptian god, it will be auctioned on July 26 at a Sotheby's event focused on natural history. This particular specimen was found in the US state of Kansas.</p>

<p>At Sotheby's galleries, it is displayed outstretched in a flying position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The auction house said, "Other than standard bone joining and stabilization, almost all of the original fossil bones remain essentially unrestored, meaning that artificial filler was not used to replace missing bone sections." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bees-outgun-humans-in-making-swift-better-decisions-for-things-that-matter-to-them-study-614077">Bees outgun humans in making swift, better decisions for things that matter to them: Study</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Fascination over Loch Ness monster</strong></h2>

<p>There's immense fascination over the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as 'Nessie'. This so-called creature is a part of Scottish folklore and is said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Loch Ness monster is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps protruding from the water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There's a viral "surgeon's photograph" which is reportedly the first photo of the creature's head and neck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is said that it was taken by Robert Kenneth Wilson, a London gynaecologist, and it was published in the Daily Mail on 21 April 1934. However, later it is known to have been a hoax.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Sotheby's announced on Tuesday (July 11) that two mounted dinosaur skeletons will be auctioned off later this month in New York. One of the skeletons is of a fierce flying reptile and the other is evocative of the Loch Ness monster.

Sotheby's announced on Tuesday (July 11) that two mounted dinosaur skeletons will be auctioned off later this month in New York. One of the skeletons is of a fierce flying reptile and the other is evocative of the Loch Ness monster. Sotheby's said that the skeleton that evokes the Loch Ness monster is estimated to draw between $600,000 and $800,000 and the flying reptile called pteranodon, with a wing span of about 20 feet, is estimated at $4 million to $6mn. Auction of flying reptile A plesiosaur was last auctioned in Paris in 2010 and had come from a private collection in Germany at the time. As quoted by AFP, Cassandra Hotton, Sotheby's head of Science and Popular Culture, said that the remains, which are nearly 11 feet long, were found in a quarry in England in 1990. The skeleton is about 75 per cent complete and in exceptional condition. Palaeontologists have said that the plesiosaur, with its small skull, long neck and flippers, existed around 190 million years ago during the Lower Jurassic period. In a news release, Sotheby's said, "The history of the Plesiosaur is also intertwined with the elusive Loch Ness monster of Scottish folklore, as many have drawn morphological comparisons between the Plesiosaur and the infamous 'Nessie,' whose sightings stretch back to the sixth century." Also read: Researchers spot ‘crazy’ nests made by crows using bird-repelling objects Named Horus after an Egyptian god, it will be auctioned on July 26 at a Sotheby's event focused on natural history. This particular specimen was found in the US state of Kansas. At Sotheby's galleries, it is displayed outstretched in a flying position. The auction house said, "Other than standard bone joining and stabilization, almost all of the original fossil bones remain essentially unrestored, meaning that artificial filler was not used to replace missing bone sections." Also read: Bees outgun humans in making swift, better decisions for things that matter to them: Study Fascination over Loch Ness monster There's immense fascination over the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as 'Nessie'. This so-called creature is a part of Scottish folklore and is said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Loch Ness monster is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps protruding from the water. There's a viral "surgeon's photograph" which is reportedly the first photo of the creature's head and neck. It is said that it was taken by Robert Kenneth Wilson, a London gynaecologist, and it was published in the Daily Mail on 21 April 1934. However, later it is known to have been a hoax. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sotheby's to auction dinosaur skeletons, including one evoking Loch Ness monster

In Pics | Freddie Mercury, Paul Newman items up for auction

<p>Sotheby's (a British-founded American multinational corporation with headquarters in New York City)&nbsp;is preparing to auction off a rare, strikingly rosy-purple diamond known as the 'Eternal Pink', which is valued at $35 million, as part of its Magnificent Jewels sale in New York in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the highest pre-auction price per carat estimate ever, Sotheby's is promoting the 10.57-carat stone as the most priceless purplish-pink diamond ever brought to auction.</p>

<p>"Its refined lines combined with the intensity of its colour earn it a place as one of the world's most extraordinary gems," Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at the Gemological Institute of America said of the cushion-cut diamond to AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The stone was mined in Botswana, and Sotheby's claims that because of its clarity and lack of flaws, it is "comparable to ultimate masterpieces of art — far rarer than a Magritte or a Warhol."&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Introducing The Eternal Pink, the most vivid pink diamond to ever come to market.<br />
<br />
Carrying the highest price per carat estimate ever placed on any diamond or gemstone, The Eternal Pink is expected to achieve in excess of $35 million this June at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SothebysNewYork?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SothebysNewYork</a>. <a href="https://t.co/BBGvdv7BPL">pic.twitter.com/BBGvdv7BPL</a></p>
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sothebys/status/1641047610013151237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>With their rarity and high demand, pink diamonds are among the finest jewels and are highly prized by investors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CTF Pink Star, which was sold in 2017 for $71.2 million in Hong Kong, now holds the record for the highest auction price ever for a stone of its kind.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The record for the highest price per carat is held by the Williamson Pink Star diamond, which sold for $57.7 million in 2022, also in Hong Kong, and brought in approximately $5.2 million.</p>

<p>The Eternal Pink was formed from a raw diamond that was unearthed in 2019 and weighed 23.87 carats, more than twice as much as the finished stone. The current shape of the stone was achieved over the course of six months by diamond company Diacore, as reported by CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Sotheby's (a British-founded American multinational corporation with headquarters in New York City) is preparing to auction off a rare, strikingly rosy-purple diamond known as the 'Eternal Pink', which is valued at $35 million, as part of its Magnificent Jewels sale in New York in June.

Sotheby's (a British-founded American multinational corporation with headquarters in New York City) is preparing to auction off a rare, strikingly rosy-purple diamond known as the 'Eternal Pink', which is valued at $35 million, as part of its Magnificent Jewels sale in New York in June. With the highest pre-auction price per carat estimate ever, Sotheby's is promoting the 10.57-carat stone as the most priceless purplish-pink diamond ever brought to auction. "Its refined lines combined with the intensity of its colour earn it a place as one of the world's most extraordinary gems," Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer at the Gemological Institute of America said of the cushion-cut diamond to AFP. The stone was mined in Botswana, and Sotheby's claims that because of its clarity and lack of flaws, it is "comparable to ultimate masterpieces of art — far rarer than a Magritte or a Warhol." Introducing The Eternal Pink, the most vivid pink diamond to ever come to market. Carrying the highest price per carat estimate ever placed on any diamond or gemstone, The Eternal Pink is expected to achieve in excess of $35 million this June at #SothebysNewYork. pic.twitter.com/BBGvdv7BPL — Sotheby's (@Sothebys) March 29, 2023 × With their rarity and high demand, pink diamonds are among the finest jewels and are highly prized by investors. The CTF Pink Star, which was sold in 2017 for $71.2 million in Hong Kong, now holds the record for the highest auction price ever for a stone of its kind. The record for the highest price per carat is held by the Williamson Pink Star diamond, which sold for $57.7 million in 2022, also in Hong Kong, and brought in approximately $5.2 million. The Eternal Pink was formed from a raw diamond that was unearthed in 2019 and weighed 23.87 carats, more than twice as much as the finished stone. The current shape of the stone was achieved over the course of six months by diamond company Diacore, as reported by CNN. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels sale: Extremely rare pink diamond worth $35 mn set for auction

<p>A Hebrew Bible that is more than 1,000 years old will be up for auction in New York and might be sold for up to $50 million, according to Sotheby's,&nbsp;one of the world's largest brokers of fine and decorative art, jewellery, and collectibles, situated in New York.&nbsp;The earliest and most complete Hebrew Bible ever found is the Codex Sassoon, which dates back to the late ninth and early tenth century. When Sotheby's auctions it off in May, it will break the record for the most expensive historical document or text ever sold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"(It) is undeniably one of the most important and singular texts in human history," said Richard Austin, Sotheby's global head of books and manuscripts who spoke to AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Codex Sassoon is&nbsp;one of the only two codices, or manuscripts, that have made it into the present day and contains all 24 books of the Hebrew Bible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is significantly older than the Leningrad Codex and substantially more complete than the Aleppo Codex, two other well-known early Hebrew Bibles, according to Sotheby's.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/worlds-oldest-hedgehog-is-a-16-year-old-found-in-denmark-562281">World’s oldest hedgehog found to be a 16-year-old in Denmark, killed by a dog</a></p>

<p>The document connects the Hebrew Bible's current recognised version with the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date back to the third century BC.</p>

<p>It bears the name of the former owner, David Solomon Sassoon (1880–1942), who amassed the largest private collection of historical Jewish manuscripts ever.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Mini robots to make your poop better</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mini-robots-to-make-your-poop-better-562480/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>With a pre-sale estimate of between $30 million and $50 million, the document is&nbsp;being auctioned for the first time in more than 30 years.</p>

<p>One of the original printing of the US Constitution was sold by Sotheby's for $43 million in November 2021, establishing a record price for a historical manuscript.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


A Hebrew Bible that is more than 1,000 years old will be up for auction in New York and might be sold for up to $50 million, according to Sotheby's, one of the world's largest brokers of fine and decorative art, jewellery, and collectibles, situated in New York.

A Hebrew Bible that is more than 1,000 years old will be up for auction in New York and might be sold for up to $50 million, according to Sotheby's, one of the world's largest brokers of fine and decorative art, jewellery, and collectibles, situated in New York. The earliest and most complete Hebrew Bible ever found is the Codex Sassoon, which dates back to the late ninth and early tenth century. When Sotheby's auctions it off in May, it will break the record for the most expensive historical document or text ever sold. "(It) is undeniably one of the most important and singular texts in human history," said Richard Austin, Sotheby's global head of books and manuscripts who spoke to AFP. Codex Sassoon is one of the only two codices, or manuscripts, that have made it into the present day and contains all 24 books of the Hebrew Bible. It is significantly older than the Leningrad Codex and substantially more complete than the Aleppo Codex, two other well-known early Hebrew Bibles, according to Sotheby's. ALSO READ | World’s oldest hedgehog found to be a 16-year-old in Denmark, killed by a dog The document connects the Hebrew Bible's current recognised version with the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date back to the third century BC. It bears the name of the former owner, David Solomon Sassoon (1880–1942), who amassed the largest private collection of historical Jewish manuscripts ever. ALSO WATCH | Mini robots to make your poop better With a pre-sale estimate of between $30 million and $50 million, the document is being auctioned for the first time in more than 30 years. One of the original printing of the US Constitution was sold by Sotheby's for $43 million in November 2021, establishing a record price for a historical manuscript. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sotheby's to auction world's oldest nearly-complete Hebrew Bible, may sell for $50 million

<p>The Ferrari driven to five race victories by Michael Schumacher during his World Championship-winning 2003 Formula 1 season is being auctioned next week in Geneva, auction house Sotheby's said on Friday.</p>

<p>The red "Chassis 229" Ferrari raced by German world champion driver Schumacher nine times could fetch up to $9.4 million, according to the sellers.</p>

<p>"It's ... special because this car is one of the only four cars with more than four wins in the Ferrari history and especially with one of the most skilled driver of his generation, Michael Schumacher," said Vincent Luzuy, executive assistant to the director of RM Sotheby's sales.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extremely-rare-18-carat-pink-diamond-sold-for-285-million-532545">Extremely rare 18-carat pear-shaped pink diamond sold for $28.5 million at auction</a></strong></p>

<p>He said the target market were race course buyers, since the car is "track-ready", as well as art collectors.</p>

<p>Sotheby's is also presenting eight rare "Fancy Blue" diamonds valued at more than $70 million. This colour is the highest possible colour grading for blue diamonds and is awarded to no more than 1 per cent&nbsp;of blue diamonds submitted to the Gemological Institute of America, Sotheby's said.</p>

<p>"It is extremely rare and to have a collection of eight it is super exciting," said jewellery specialist at Sotheby's Geneva, Marie-Cécile Cisamolo. The diamonds will be offered at auction in Geneva, New York and Hong Kong and the first one will be offered in the Swiss city on Nov. 9.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Ferrari driven to five race victories by Michael Schumacher during his World Championship-winning 2003 Formula 1 season is being auctioned next week in Geneva, auction house Sotheby's said on Friday.

The Ferrari driven to five race victories by Michael Schumacher during his World Championship-winning 2003 Formula 1 season is being auctioned next week in Geneva, auction house Sotheby's said on Friday. The red "Chassis 229" Ferrari raced by German world champion driver Schumacher nine times could fetch up to $9.4 million, according to the sellers. "It's ... special because this car is one of the only four cars with more than four wins in the Ferrari history and especially with one of the most skilled driver of his generation, Michael Schumacher," said Vincent Luzuy, executive assistant to the director of RM Sotheby's sales. Also read | Extremely rare 18-carat pear-shaped pink diamond sold for $28.5 million at auction He said the target market were race course buyers, since the car is "track-ready", as well as art collectors. Sotheby's is also presenting eight rare "Fancy Blue" diamonds valued at more than $70 million. This colour is the highest possible colour grading for blue diamonds and is awarded to no more than 1 per cent of blue diamonds submitted to the Gemological Institute of America, Sotheby's said. "It is extremely rare and to have a collection of eight it is super exciting," said jewellery specialist at Sotheby's Geneva, Marie-Cécile Cisamolo. The diamonds will be offered at auction in Geneva, New York and Hong Kong and the first one will be offered in the Swiss city on Nov. 9. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Michael Schumacher's winning Ferrari up for auction in Geneva

<p>A state appellate court in New York has ruled that Sotheby’s may be responsible for $4 million for missing diamonds after the auction house was accused of giving them to ‘a stranger’ in a lawsuit. The diamonds were allegedly handed to Sotheby’s for appraisal in April 2019, and M&amp;L Financial was exploring a future consignment, as per the lawsuit filed by M&amp;L Financial. A few months later, M&amp;L said that Sotheby’s allegedly informed the business that it had given the diamonds to a representative of the organisation that loans the gems from M&amp;L as collateral. Since then, the jewels have vanished, CNN reported.</p>

<p>The diamonds had been owned by Jona Rechnitz, a well-known political fundraiser in New York and Hollywood, who operates Jadelle Jewelry and Diamonds of Beverly Hills. As per the lawsuit, Rechnitz delivered the stones to M&amp;L because he owed the company a huge debt. Furthermore, Sotheby’s said that Rechnitz informed the auctioneer that an agent was coming to collect the diamonds. The agent then arrived at Sotheby’s to take up the jewelry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-producer-russia-thwarts-move-to-redefine-conflict-diamonds-488790">Top producer Russia thwarts move to redefine 'conflict diamonds'</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2020, a lawsuit was filed by M&amp;L against Sotheby’s, claiming that the diamonds shouldn’t have been given to a representative. The business also claimed that Rechnitz had recommended Sotheby’s and later found that Rechnitz was friends with Quin Bruning, the auctioneer’s jewellery specialist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, a lower court determined that Sotheby’s was right to give the items to a representative since Jadelle was mentioned as a co-consignor along with M&amp;L Financial on the contract. However, the California Court of Appeals dissented on July 14 and allowed M&amp;L to proceed with the breach of contract lawsuit against Sotheby’s.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/diamond-city-of-india-loses-its-sheen-as-ukraine-war-disrupts-supply-chains-491987">‘Diamond city’ of India loses its sheen, as Ukraine war disrupts supply chains</a></strong></p>

<p>M&amp;L claimed that after vocally objecting to the incorrect wording and insisting that only financial business (M&amp;L Financial) be included and not executive Bruning in the Consignor’s name, Sotheby’s still signed the contract. However, the latter denies that any such matter was brought up.</p>

<p>The Court of California Appeals said that “There was no agreement yet that Sotheby's definitely would auction the diamonds for M&amp;L, but a potential auction was the point of Sotheby's involvement. Sotheby's breached this agreement by giving the diamonds to [a] stranger,” CNN reported.</p>

<p>However, Sotheby’s in a statement said, “regards the allegations in the complaint as baseless and riddled with untruths and mischaracterizations. We will continue to vigorously defend this in court."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A state appellate court in New York has ruled that Sotheby’s may be responsible for $4 million for missing diamonds after the auction house was accused of giving them to ‘a stranger’ in a lawsuit.

A state appellate court in New York has ruled that Sotheby’s may be responsible for $4 million for missing diamonds after the auction house was accused of giving them to ‘a stranger’ in a lawsuit. The diamonds were allegedly handed to Sotheby’s for appraisal in April 2019, and M&L Financial was exploring a future consignment, as per the lawsuit filed by M&L Financial. A few months later, M&L said that Sotheby’s allegedly informed the business that it had given the diamonds to a representative of the organisation that loans the gems from M&L as collateral. Since then, the jewels have vanished, CNN reported. The diamonds had been owned by Jona Rechnitz, a well-known political fundraiser in New York and Hollywood, who operates Jadelle Jewelry and Diamonds of Beverly Hills. As per the lawsuit, Rechnitz delivered the stones to M&L because he owed the company a huge debt. Furthermore, Sotheby’s said that Rechnitz informed the auctioneer that an agent was coming to collect the diamonds. The agent then arrived at Sotheby’s to take up the jewelry. Also read | Top producer Russia thwarts move to redefine 'conflict diamonds' In 2020, a lawsuit was filed by M&L against Sotheby’s, claiming that the diamonds shouldn’t have been given to a representative. The business also claimed that Rechnitz had recommended Sotheby’s and later found that Rechnitz was friends with Quin Bruning, the auctioneer’s jewellery specialist. Initially, a lower court determined that Sotheby’s was right to give the items to a representative since Jadelle was mentioned as a co-consignor along with M&L Financial on the contract. However, the California Court of Appeals dissented on July 14 and allowed M&L to proceed with the breach of contract lawsuit against Sotheby’s. Also read | ‘Diamond city’ of India loses its sheen, as Ukraine war disrupts supply chains M&L claimed that after vocally objecting to the incorrect wording and insisting that only financial business (M&L Financial) be included and not executive Bruning in the Consignor’s name, Sotheby’s still signed the contract. However, the latter denies that any such matter was brought up. The Court of California Appeals said that “There was no agreement yet that Sotheby's definitely would auction the diamonds for M&L, but a potential auction was the point of Sotheby's involvement. Sotheby's breached this agreement by giving the diamonds to [a] stranger,” CNN reported. However, Sotheby’s in a statement said, “regards the allegations in the complaint as baseless and riddled with untruths and mischaracterizations. We will continue to vigorously defend this in court." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sotheby's may be liable for $4million for missing diamonds after being accused of giving them to a ‘stranger’

<p>Sotheby's has won the rights to sell the highly sought-after Macklowe art collection, valued at more than $600 million, the auction house announced Thursday.</p>

<p>The trove -- which includes works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Mark Rothko -- was the subject of a bitter legal dispute following the high-profile divorce of New York real estate developer Harry Macklowe and his ex-wife Linda.</p>

<p>Auction houses had been competing to sell the 65 works which Sotheby's described as the "most significant collection of modern and contemporary art to ever appear on the market."</p>

<p>Sotheby's said it would put the pieces under the hammer in two separate auctions in November this year and May 2022.</p>

<p>It said the $600 million tag was the highest estimate ever placed on any collection to come to auction.</p>

<p>The top lots are Alberto Giacometti's "Le Nez" sculpture, completed in 1964, and Rothko's 1951 abstract "No. 7," both of which are tipped to sell for upwards of $70 million each.</p>

<p>Other highlights include Warhol's 1962 "Nine Marilyns," estimated to sell for between $40 million and $60 million and Cy Twombly's "Untitled" from 2007, which has the same price estimate.</p>

<p>Gerhard Richter's 1975 work "Seestück" has been priced between $25 million and $35 million while Picasso's "Figure (Project for a monument to Guillaume Apollinaire)" is estimated at up to $20 million.</p>

<p>Two Willem de Koonings will also be sold: "Untitled XXXIII" from 1977 and "Untitled IV" from 1983, which are expected to fetch up to $18 million and $15 million respectively.</p>

<p>"The Macklowe Collection stands in a league of its own as the greatest collection of Modern and Contemporary Art ever to come to the market," said Sotheby's CEO Charles Stewart.</p>

<p>"It will undoubtedly captivate top collectors from around the world, and the sale will make history as one of the landmark events defining the art market and the history of Sotheby's over the past 277 years," he added.</p>

<p>During divorce proceedings, the Macklowes had been unable to agree on how much the vast collection was worth.</p>

<p>A New York judge ruled in 2018 that the they should sell the 65 works and split the works. A receiver was appointed to broker the sale, which was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.</p>


Sotheby's has won the rights to sell the highly sought-after Macklowe art collection, valued at more than $600 million, the auction house announced Thursday. The trove -- which includes works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Mark Rothko -- was the subject of a bitter legal dispute following the high-profile divorce of New York real estate developer Harry Macklowe and his ex-wife Linda.

Sotheby's has won the rights to sell the highly sought-after Macklowe art collection, valued at more than $600 million, the auction house announced Thursday. The trove -- which includes works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Mark Rothko -- was the subject of a bitter legal dispute following the high-profile divorce of New York real estate developer Harry Macklowe and his ex-wife Linda. Auction houses had been competing to sell the 65 works which Sotheby's described as the "most significant collection of modern and contemporary art to ever appear on the market." Sotheby's said it would put the pieces under the hammer in two separate auctions in November this year and May 2022. It said the $600 million tag was the highest estimate ever placed on any collection to come to auction. The top lots are Alberto Giacometti's "Le Nez" sculpture, completed in 1964, and Rothko's 1951 abstract "No. 7," both of which are tipped to sell for upwards of $70 million each. Other highlights include Warhol's 1962 "Nine Marilyns," estimated to sell for between $40 million and $60 million and Cy Twombly's "Untitled" from 2007, which has the same price estimate. Gerhard Richter's 1975 work "Seestück" has been priced between $25 million and $35 million while Picasso's "Figure (Project for a monument to Guillaume Apollinaire)" is estimated at up to $20 million. Two Willem de Koonings will also be sold: "Untitled XXXIII" from 1977 and "Untitled IV" from 1983, which are expected to fetch up to $18 million and $15 million respectively. "The Macklowe Collection stands in a league of its own as the greatest collection of Modern and Contemporary Art ever to come to the market," said Sotheby's CEO Charles Stewart. "It will undoubtedly captivate top collectors from around the world, and the sale will make history as one of the landmark events defining the art market and the history of Sotheby's over the past 277 years," he added. During divorce proceedings, the Macklowes had been unable to agree on how much the vast collection was worth. A New York judge ruled in 2018 that the they should sell the 65 works and split the works. A receiver was appointed to broker the sale, which was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Sotheby's to sell $600 million of art from Macklowe divorce

<p>One of the world's rarest diamonds, about the size of an egg or a large lollipop, is going up for auction next month and is expected to fetch $12 million to $30 million.</p>

<p>Sotheby's said on Thursday that the 102.39-carat diamond, a flawless white sparkler, was the second-largest oval diamond of its kind to be offered at auction. The largest, a 118.28-carat diamond, set a record $30.8 million price when it was sold in 2013.</p>

<p><img alt="P" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="94762317-8a02-421a-812c-19e7fef1cca2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-09-10%20at%203.46.27%20PM.jpeg" /></p>

<p><em><strong>In picture: An employee of Sotheby's poses with a perfect 100+&nbsp;carat diamond, the second largest oval&nbsp;diamond&nbsp;of its kind to ever appear at an auction</strong></em></p>

<p>Only seven such diamonds, known in the trade as D color flawless or internally flawless white diamonds, over 100 carats have previously been sold at auction.</p>

<p>"More and more people have come to understand that something billions of years old and of the size of a lollipop can store as much value as a Rembrandt self-portrait or a Basquiat," Gary Schuler, worldwide chairman of jewelry at Sotheby's, said in a statement.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;diamond&nbsp;will be sold in a single-lot action without a reserve price at Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October&nbsp;5.</p>

<p>"Diamonds of this caliber and size have sold anywhere between $11.9 million to $33.7 million," said Quig Bruning, head of Sotheby's New York jewelry department.</p>

<p>Sotheby's said the gem was cut from a 271-carat rough that was discovered at the Victor Mine in the Canadian province of Ontario in 2018 and cut and polished for more than a year.</p>

<p>Two of the most famous large&nbsp;diamonds,&nbsp;the Koh-i-Noor and The Cullinan 1,&nbsp;belong to the British monarchy and form part of the British Crown Jewels.</p>

<p>The world record for any&nbsp;diamond&nbsp;or jewel sold at auction was set in 2017 when a 59.60-carat fancy vivid pink&nbsp;diamond&nbsp;was sold for $71.2 million to the Hong Kong jewelry company Chow Tai Fook, Sotheby's said.</p>


One of the world's rarest diamonds, about the size of an egg or a large lollipop, is going up for auction next month and is expected to fetch $12 million to $30 million.

One of the world's rarest diamonds, about the size of an egg or a large lollipop, is going up for auction next month and is expected to fetch $12 million to $30 million. Sotheby's said on Thursday that the 102.39-carat diamond, a flawless white sparkler, was the second-largest oval diamond of its kind to be offered at auction. The largest, a 118.28-carat diamond, set a record $30.8 million price when it was sold in 2013. In picture: An employee of Sotheby's poses with a perfect 100+ carat diamond, the second largest oval diamond of its kind to ever appear at an auction Only seven such diamonds, known in the trade as D color flawless or internally flawless white diamonds, over 100 carats have previously been sold at auction. "More and more people have come to understand that something billions of years old and of the size of a lollipop can store as much value as a Rembrandt self-portrait or a Basquiat," Gary Schuler, worldwide chairman of jewelry at Sotheby's, said in a statement. The diamond will be sold in a single-lot action without a reserve price at Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October 5. "Diamonds of this caliber and size have sold anywhere between $11.9 million to $33.7 million," said Quig Bruning, head of Sotheby's New York jewelry department. Sotheby's said the gem was cut from a 271-carat rough that was discovered at the Victor Mine in the Canadian province of Ontario in 2018 and cut and polished for more than a year. Two of the most famous large diamonds, the Koh-i-Noor and The Cullinan 1, belong to the British monarchy and form part of the British Crown Jewels. The world record for any diamond or jewel sold at auction was set in 2017 when a 59.60-carat fancy vivid pink diamond was sold for $71.2 million to the Hong Kong jewelry company Chow Tai Fook, Sotheby's said.

Flawless 102-carat diamond could fetch up to $30 million at auction

<p>Francis Bacon's triptych painting has been sold for $84 million during a virtual auction at the Sotheby's. For the first time, the Sotheby's had to hold an auction via live stream and without an audience due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebooks-avatars-allows-users-in-india-to-create-own-digital-profile-309831" hreflang="en">Facebook's Avatars allows users in India to create own digital profile</a></p>

<p>Bacon painted this triptych between 1962 and 1991 and it is said to be inspired by the 'Oresteia of Aeschylus'. The art-work received telephone bids from &nbsp;New York and Hong Kong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The painting exceeded pre-sale estimates of between $60 million and $80 million.</p>

<p>Sotheby's spring auction normally generates billions of dollars but due to coronavirus pandemic hitting hard in New York, the company decided to conduct the event via stream a series of modern and contemporary art sales from London.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AuctionUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AuctionUpdate</a>: Francis Bacon’s large-format masterpiece ‘Triptych Inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus’ soars to $84.6 million - surpassing its pre-sale high estimate of $80 million after an 11-minute bidding battle between our specialist Grégoire Billault and an online bidder <a href="https://t.co/TZLqOnOjKz">pic.twitter.com/TZLqOnOjKz</a></p>
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sothebys/status/1277761714612842496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Sotheby's Europe chairman, Oliver Barker dubbed the event as "as historic evening" and first of its kind to be held without an audience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A bidding war raged for Bacon's artwork. It went on for around 10 minutes between one potential buyer placing bids online from China, and another - who was victorious but chose to remain anonymous - making counter-offers on the phone to a Sotheby's specialist in New York.</p>

<p>In 2013, another Bacon triptych, "Three Studies of Lucian Freud," sold for $142.4 million at Christie's in New York.</p>

<p>Online bids for other paintings rarely exceeded $5 million, Jean-Michel Basquiat's drawing of a head, "Untitled (Head)" sold for $15.2 million on Monday - a new Sotheby's record for an online purchase - and a painting by Joan Mitchell, "Garden Party," went for $7.9 million.</p>

<p>Sotheby's event brought in a total of $363.2 million, the auction house said.</p>


Francis Bacon's triptych painting has been sold for $84 million during a virtual auction at the Sotheby's. For the first time, the Sotheby's had to hold an auction via live stream and without an audience due to coronavirus pandemic.

Francis Bacon's triptych painting has been sold for $84 million during a virtual auction at the Sotheby's. For the first time, the Sotheby's had to hold an auction via live stream and without an audience due to coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Facebook's Avatars allows users in India to create own digital profile Bacon painted this triptych between 1962 and 1991 and it is said to be inspired by the 'Oresteia of Aeschylus'. The art-work received telephone bids from New York and Hong Kong. The painting exceeded pre-sale estimates of between $60 million and $80 million. Sotheby's spring auction normally generates billions of dollars but due to coronavirus pandemic hitting hard in New York, the company decided to conduct the event via stream a series of modern and contemporary art sales from London. #AuctionUpdate: Francis Bacon’s large-format masterpiece ‘Triptych Inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus’ soars to $84.6 million - surpassing its pre-sale high estimate of $80 million after an 11-minute bidding battle between our specialist Grégoire Billault and an online bidder pic.twitter.com/TZLqOnOjKz — Sotheby's (@Sothebys) June 30, 2020 × Sotheby's Europe chairman, Oliver Barker dubbed the event as "as historic evening" and first of its kind to be held without an audience. A bidding war raged for Bacon's artwork. It went on for around 10 minutes between one potential buyer placing bids online from China, and another - who was victorious but chose to remain anonymous - making counter-offers on the phone to a Sotheby's specialist in New York. In 2013, another Bacon triptych, "Three Studies of Lucian Freud," sold for $142.4 million at Christie's in New York. Online bids for other paintings rarely exceeded $5 million, Jean-Michel Basquiat's drawing of a head, "Untitled (Head)" sold for $15.2 million on Monday - a new Sotheby's record for an online purchase - and a painting by Joan Mitchell, "Garden Party," went for $7.9 million. Sotheby's event brought in a total of $363.2 million, the auction house said.

Francis Bacon's triptych auctioned for $84 million at Sotheby's via live stream

<p>Tyeb Mehta's painting "Durga Mahisasura Mardini" was sold for $2.9 million (Rs 20.49 crore) at Boundless India, Sotheby's inaugural auction in Mumbai Thursday evening.</p>

<p>Art works worth $7.9 million (Rs 55.40 crore) were sold at the auction, a Sotheby's official said, adding over 75 per cent of sold lots achieved prices above their pre-sale high estimates.</p>

<p>Mehta's painting had remained in the same private collection ever since it was commissioned from the artist in 1993.</p>

<p>Strong competition for Amrita Sher-Gil's "The Little Girl in Blue" drove the painting to sell over the high estimate for Rs 18.69 crore (USD 2.7 million), a record price for the artist in India.</p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6sbGBw0yarY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<p>This is only the seventh oil painting by the artist to be offered anywhere in the world. The work had remained in the same collection for 80 years, since it was selected by the artist for her first solo show in 1937.</p>

<p>Earlier in the sale, a second work by Sher-Gil, a work on paper created by the artist when she was just 10 years old, was also sold.</p>

<p>Edward Gibbs, Sotheby's Chairman for the Middle East and India, said, "This is a milestone moment for Sotheby's. Tonights sale reflects Sotheby's continued commitment to the South Asian market."</p>

<p>Yamini Mehta, Sotheby's International Head of Indian and South Asian Art, said, "Tonight's results are a vote of confidence for the South Asian art market, with significant new records and benchmarks achieved across different artists and genres."</p>

<p>One of the most important sculptures created in modern India, an untitled 1950s bronze by Sadanand Bakre, achieved a record price for any 20th century Indian sculpture at Rs 1.88 crore.&nbsp;</p>


Tyeb Mehta's painting "Durga Mahisasura Mardini" was sold for $2.9 million (Rs 20.49 crore) at Boundless India, Sotheby's inaugural auction in Mumbai Thursday evening.

Tyeb Mehta's painting "Durga Mahisasura Mardini" was sold for $2.9 million (Rs 20.49 crore) at Boundless India, Sotheby's inaugural auction in Mumbai Thursday evening. Art works worth $7.9 million (Rs 55.40 crore) were sold at the auction, a Sotheby's official said, adding over 75 per cent of sold lots achieved prices above their pre-sale high estimates. Mehta's painting had remained in the same private collection ever since it was commissioned from the artist in 1993. Strong competition for Amrita Sher-Gil's "The Little Girl in Blue" drove the painting to sell over the high estimate for Rs 18.69 crore (USD 2.7 million), a record price for the artist in India. This is only the seventh oil painting by the artist to be offered anywhere in the world. The work had remained in the same collection for 80 years, since it was selected by the artist for her first solo show in 1937. Earlier in the sale, a second work by Sher-Gil, a work on paper created by the artist when she was just 10 years old, was also sold. Edward Gibbs, Sotheby's Chairman for the Middle East and India, said, "This is a milestone moment for Sotheby's. Tonights sale reflects Sotheby's continued commitment to the South Asian market." Yamini Mehta, Sotheby's International Head of Indian and South Asian Art, said, "Tonight's results are a vote of confidence for the South Asian art market, with significant new records and benchmarks achieved across different artists and genres." One of the most important sculptures created in modern India, an untitled 1950s bronze by Sadanand Bakre, achieved a record price for any 20th century Indian sculpture at Rs 1.88 crore.

Tyeb Mehta's painting fetches Rs 20 crore at art auction in Mumbai

<p>British street artist Banksy has stunned the art world with arguably his most audacious prank yet, self-destructing one of his best-known works moments after it fetched more than a million pounds at auction in London.</p>

<p>"Girl with Balloon" had just sold at Sotheby's Friday for £1,042,000 ($1.4 million, 1.2 million euros) -- a joint record for the maverick artist -- when it unexpectedly passed through a shredder hidden in the frame.</p>

<p>Banksy posted a video Saturday on his Instagram page accompanied by a quote attributed to Pablo Picasso -- "the urge to destroy is also a creative urge" -- showing the stunt unfolding and how he pulled it off.</p>

<p>"A few years ago I secretly built a shredder into a painting, in case it was ever put up for auction," read captions displayed over footage of a man crafting the device into a faux-gilt frame.</p>

<p>The video later shows scenes from Sotheby's, where onlookers are left aghast as an alarm sounds and most of the image drops down through the frame and is left shredded.</p>

<p>"It appears we just got Banksy-ed," said Alex Branczik, Sotheby's head of contemporary art for Europe, in a press release.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BomXijJhArX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BomXijJhArX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BomXijJhArX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BomXijJhArX/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">. "The urge to destroy is also a creative urge" - Picasso</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/banksy/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Banksy</a> (@banksy) on <time datetime="2018-10-06T17:09:31+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 6, 2018 at 10:09am PDT</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"The unexpected incident became instant art world folklore and certainly marks the first time in auction history that a work of art automatically shredded itself after coming under the hammer," the auctioneers added in the statement.</p>

<p>Earlier Saturday, Banksy had posted a photo of the shredded work with a caption, imitating an auctioneer, that read: "going, going, gone".</p>

<p>The post, and reports of a man dressed in black sunglasses and a hat scuffling with security guards near the entrance to Sotheby's shortly after the incident, led to speculation the artist was present to trigger it.</p>

<p>Sotheby's, which could not be reached for further comment on Saturday, did not disclose if it had prior knowledge of the stunt.</p>

<p>Branczik said he was "not in on the ruse", according to The Art Newspaper.</p>

<p>"We are busy figuring out what this means in an auction context," he reportedly added.</p>

<p>"The shredding is now part of the integral art work."</p>

<p>Sotheby's did not release details on the buyer, but reports said the winning bid was made by telephone.</p>

<p>"We have talked with the successful purchaser who was surprised by the story," the auctioneers said in a statement to The Financial Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are in discussion about next steps."</p>

<p>Banksy, a mysterious artist from Bristol, southwest England, has never confirmed his real identity.</p>

<p>- Matched previous record -<br />
He rose to fame painting clandestine street murals, typically simple graffiti stencils with a sharp political point, all over the world.</p>

<p>The artist has also produced a treasure trove of other kinds of images, and his head-turning work have repeatedly sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds, including to a raft of famous people.</p>

<p>His "Happy Choppers" from 2006 fetched $735,000 also on Friday at a New York auction of personal effects owned by the late actor Robin Williams and his wife.</p>

<p>The price paid in London Friday evening for "Girl with Balloon" matched the artist's previous record at a 2008 auction for another work, Sotheby's said.</p>

<p>The spray paint and acrylic work on canvas and mounted on board -- which was created in 2006 after first appearing as a mural in East London -- depicted a girl reaching out toward a bright red, heart-shaped balloon.</p>

<p>It was instantly recognisable as a Banksy to anyone familiar with his work.</p>

<p>Mehdi Ben Cheikh, a Parisian street art specialist, said the stunt was "in the same vein as his performance in New York, which questions and criticises the limits of the art market."</p>

<p>Banksy in 2013 set up a stand near the city's Central Park and sold 20 signed canvases of his own work for $60 each.</p>


British street artist Banksy has stunned the art world with arguably his most audacious prank yet, self-destructing one of his best-known works moments after it fetched more than a million pounds at auction in London.

British street artist Banksy has stunned the art world with arguably his most audacious prank yet, self-destructing one of his best-known works moments after it fetched more than a million pounds at auction in London. "Girl with Balloon" had just sold at Sotheby's Friday for £1,042,000 ($1.4 million, 1.2 million euros) -- a joint record for the maverick artist -- when it unexpectedly passed through a shredder hidden in the frame. Banksy posted a video Saturday on his Instagram page accompanied by a quote attributed to Pablo Picasso -- "the urge to destroy is also a creative urge" -- showing the stunt unfolding and how he pulled it off. "A few years ago I secretly built a shredder into a painting, in case it was ever put up for auction," read captions displayed over footage of a man crafting the device into a faux-gilt frame. The video later shows scenes from Sotheby's, where onlookers are left aghast as an alarm sounds and most of the image drops down through the frame and is left shredded. "It appears we just got Banksy-ed," said Alex Branczik, Sotheby's head of contemporary art for Europe, in a press release. View this post on Instagram . "The urge to destroy is also a creative urge" - Picasso A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Oct 6, 2018 at 10:09am PDT × "The unexpected incident became instant art world folklore and certainly marks the first time in auction history that a work of art automatically shredded itself after coming under the hammer," the auctioneers added in the statement. Earlier Saturday, Banksy had posted a photo of the shredded work with a caption, imitating an auctioneer, that read: "going, going, gone". The post, and reports of a man dressed in black sunglasses and a hat scuffling with security guards near the entrance to Sotheby's shortly after the incident, led to speculation the artist was present to trigger it. Sotheby's, which could not be reached for further comment on Saturday, did not disclose if it had prior knowledge of the stunt. Branczik said he was "not in on the ruse", according to The Art Newspaper. "We are busy figuring out what this means in an auction context," he reportedly added. "The shredding is now part of the integral art work." Sotheby's did not release details on the buyer, but reports said the winning bid was made by telephone. "We have talked with the successful purchaser who was surprised by the story," the auctioneers said in a statement to The Financial Times. "We are in discussion about next steps." Banksy, a mysterious artist from Bristol, southwest England, has never confirmed his real identity. - Matched previous record - He rose to fame painting clandestine street murals, typically simple graffiti stencils with a sharp political point, all over the world. The artist has also produced a treasure trove of other kinds of images, and his head-turning work have repeatedly sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds, including to a raft of famous people. His "Happy Choppers" from 2006 fetched $735,000 also on Friday at a New York auction of personal effects owned by the late actor Robin Williams and his wife. The price paid in London Friday evening for "Girl with Balloon" matched the artist's previous record at a 2008 auction for another work, Sotheby's said. The spray paint and acrylic work on canvas and mounted on board -- which was created in 2006 after first appearing as a mural in East London -- depicted a girl reaching out toward a bright red, heart-shaped balloon. It was instantly recognisable as a Banksy to anyone familiar with his work. Mehdi Ben Cheikh, a Parisian street art specialist, said the stunt was "in the same vein as his performance in New York, which questions and criticises the limits of the art market." Banksy in 2013 set up a stand near the city's Central Park and sold 20 signed canvases of his own work for $60 each.

Banksy's 'Girl with Balloon' sells for £1 million... then he shreds it

sotheby-auction

Sotheby Auction, News on Sotheby Auction, stories on Sotheby Auction, articles on Sotheby Auction, Sotheby Auction stories at Wion, Sotheby Auction news, Sotheby Auction latest news

sotheby auction