The painting was sold to the highest bidder at US$170 million. Additional costs brought the final price to US$195 million. “’Shot Sage Blue Marilyn’ is the pinnacle of American pop culture,” says Alex Rotter, director of 20th and 21st century art at Christie’s.
“The painting transcends the portrait genre, replacing the art and culture of the 20th century,” he added.
The work is based on a photo of Monroe for the promotion of “Niagara,” featuring striking colours on her eyes, hair and lips.