Basquiat portrait scores record $57.3 million

NEW YORK - Agence France-Presse

AP photo

A huge self-portrait by Jean-Michel Basquiat brought $57.3 million at auction in New York on May 10, a record for the late American artist, Christie's said.

His previous record came in May 2013, when his "Dustheads" sold for $48.8 million.
 
On May 10, an unnamed Asian collector bought the massive seven by 16 foot (two-and-a-half by five meter) untitled self-portrait from 1982, painted in Italy.
 
The young Haitian-American artist, who pictured himself in the work with a demonic image among popping colors, died of a drug overdose at age 27 in 1988.
 
Spring art auctions in New York began late Sunday and last through Thursday.
 
The 1,500-odd pieces up for sale this week are expected to bring in more than a billion dollars.
 
Auguste Rodin's "Eternal Springtime" marble sculpture of lovers fetched more than $20 million Monday, a record for the French sculptor, at Sotheby's in New York.
 
A statue of Hitler on his knees was auctioned Sunday for $17.2 million, a record for a work by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan.