NEW YORK: A 500-year-old painting believed to be by Leonardo da Vinci sold for $450.3 million in New York on Wednesday, blazing a new world record for the most expensive work of art sold at auction, Christie’s said. ControversyAuctioneer Jussi Pylkkanen opened bidding at $75 million, pulling in 45 bids from clients on the phone and in the room. Pylkkanen eventually hammered the painting at $450 million. Christie’s declined to comment on the controversy and had valued the painting pre-sale at $100 million. “It’s an extraordinary price for an extraordinary painting.

Source: Manila Times November 16, 2017 05:15 UTC