Warhol Marilyn Sells for $195 Million, Most Ever for U.S. Artist

The 1964 artwork, Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, has set a new high-water mark for the modern and contemporary art market.

Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn from 1964.

Source: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2022

On Monday night, a 58 year-old silkscreen by Andy Warhol sold at Christie’s for a record $195 million.

The superlatives abound: With the stroke of a gavel, it became the most expensive 20th century artwork to ever sell at auction; the most expensive American artwork to ever sell at auction; and the second most expensive publicly sold artwork in history. (The $450 million Leonardo da Vinci is still in first place.) Dealer Larry Gagosian, who was in the room, was the winning bidder.