A painting by famed Austrian painter Gustav Klimt has fetched more than $50 million at annual spring auctions in New York, the first time the painting has been offered for sale.
The early 20th century work, called “Island in Lake Attersee,” went to an amateur in Japan for $53.2 million, Sotheby’s announced Wednesday.
The landscape painting depicts a shimmering, turquoise body of water with vibrant colors characteristic of Klimt, who was an exemplary member of the Art Nouveau movement.
The painting was sold after an intense seven-minute competition, the auction house said.
