Warhol’s portrait of Monroe to go on auction at Christie’s for a record $200 million

A portrait of Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol will go on sale at Christie’s in May with an initial estimate of $200 million, potentially becoming the most expensive work of art of the 20th century ever sold at auction, the auction house’s press office said.

The portrait of the actress, titled Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, depicting Monroe against a light turquoise background, was painted by Warhol in 1964, two years after the actress’ death, and is one of the symbols of American art.

“It is a seminal work in Warhol’s work, contemporary art and the historical canon of art,” the press office quotes Mark Porter, head of the American division of the auction house, as saying.

The artwork will be donated by the Thomas and Dorris Amman Charitable Foundation, which is dedicated to helping children. All proceeds from the sale of the portrait will go to fund the foundation.

The painting was exhibited at such venues as the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris and the Tate Gallery in London.