Warhol painting of Marilyn Monroe expected to fetch $200 million at auction

An Andy Warhol portrait of actress Marilyn Monroe will be auctioned in May, Christie’s announced on Monday. The portrait is estimated at $200 million, a record value, Christie’s says.

Alex Rotter, Christie’s chairman of 20th and 21st century art, said “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” could become the most expensive painting of the 20th century ever sold at auction.

In 1964, Warhol created five likenesses of Monroe, each with bright yellow hair, a pink face, and light blue eyeshadow.

Warhol “used a screening technique on these paintings, on this painting, that he never used again. It was way too complicated, way too involved,” said Rotter.

The work comes from the Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation in Zurich. All the proceeds of the sale will benefit the foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world.

“The sale of this single painting will constitute the highest grossing philanthropic auction since the collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller in 2018,” said Christie’s American Chairman Marc Porter.

Christie’s says the highest price paid for a Warhol was for the painting “Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster),” which sold for $105 million in 2013. (Reuters)