Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ Could Fetch $200+ Million At Auction

Edvard Munch’s The Scream is one of the most recognizable pieces of artwork in the world and that fact could help the painting fetch upwards of $200 million when it hits the auction block next week, a number analysts believe will far exceed the $80 million price tag placed on the painting by auction house Sotherby’s.

Furthering the intrigued of the sale British oddsmakers are betting big that the painting will be picked up by a Norwegian businessman whose father was friends with the famed painter.

After the Mona Lisa The Scream is highly regarded as the most famous painting of all time. In speaking about the paintings interest a Soethby’s spokesman told the New York Times:

“There are two markets: the regular market for the average collector, and the super-market for global icons that is fueled by the new rich. This last group gravitates toward the very top.”

While markets may be segregated based on the status of their wealth, art historians believe the $200 million price tag is far to expensive of a price to pay for the Edvard Munch painting, mainly because it’s ugly and “too depressing” to live with.

During this weeks auction it won’t just be Edvard Munch’s that is hoping to cash in big, works from Rothko, Warhol, Cezanne and Picasso will also be up for grabs but not for anywhere near the potential $200 million price of The Scream.

Do you think collectors are going a little too crazy over priceless pieces of art during a time of major economic problems on a global level?