Edvard Munch's 'Scream' Breaks World Record
Sotheby's employees pose with Edvard Munch's "The Scream" at the auction house in London, April 12, 2012. The painting, estimated to exceed $80 million (50.2 million pounds), broke a world record in New York on May 2, 2012, becoming the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. The bidding started at $40 million; 12 minutes later, the final offer came in by telephone. Final price: $119,922,500, including commission.