Today, the auction house Sotheby's announced that it would be sellin Edvard Munch's 1895 masterpiece, The Scream, as part of its Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sale in New York on May 2. Sotheby's said in a statement, "The iconic work is one of the most instantly recognizable images in both art history and popular culture, perhaps second only to the Mona Lisa. The present version of The Scream, which dates from 1895, is one of four versions of the composition and the only version still in private hands."
Simon Shaw, Sotheby's senior VP, said, "Instantly recognizable, 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." He added, "Given how rarely true icons come to the market it is difficult to predict The Scream’s value. The recent success of masterpieces at Sotheby’s suggests that the price could exceed $80 million."
The work will go on display in New York for the first time ever on April 27 ahead of the sale. The piece, which is one of two pastel versions (the other two are painted; the Guardian says this one is the "most vibrant") is being sold by Norwegian businessman Petter Olsen, whose father Thomas was a friend, neighbor and patron of Munch. Olsen said, "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. My father Thomas Olsen was a friend of Munch, and acquired The Scream as well as many other works by the artist. He hoped that his collection would further Munch’s international renown by lending to exhibitions abroad. In that tradition, proceeds from this sale will go toward the establishment of a new museum, art centre and hotel on my farm Ramme Gaard at Hvitsten, Norway. It will open next year in connection with the Munch 150th anniversary, and will be dedicated to the artist’s work and time there. We are restoring his house and studio, and guests can stay in his home."
