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               Picasso, Giacometti Works Smash Records at Auction

   by VOA News

   Two 20th century masterpieces smashed world records at a New York art
   auction Monday, dubbed by collectors as "the sale of the century."

   Pablo Picasso's "The Woman of Algiers -- Version O" sold for more than
   $179 million at Christie's Auction House -- the highest price ever paid
   for a single painting.

   The Spanish master created the work as part of a series of paintings
   created in 1954 and 1955.

   The name of the telephone buyer was not disclosed.

   Another buyer paid $141 million for Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti's
   "Pointing Man" -- smashing the record for a piece of sculpture.

   Another Giacometti pointing man sculpture held the previous record.

   Thirty-four pieces of rare art were sold at Monday's auction, bringing
   in $706 million.

   Experts say interest in modern art and Impressionism is soaring among
   private investors.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/picasso-giacometti-works-smash-record
   s-at-auction/2764002.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/picasso-giacometti-works-smash-records-at-auction/2764002.html