Picasso-Monet-Matisse fetch top dollar at Rockefeller auction

New York May 9 (IANS) Paintings by Pablo Picasso Claude Monet and Henri Matisse hit record high prices during an auction of Peggy and David Rockefeller s collection at Christie s here in the US.

Pablo Picasso s work from 1905 "Fillette a la corbeille fleurie" was sold for $115 million the highest price so far in the auction.

Painted circa 1914-1917 Monet s 160.3 x 180 cm "Nympheas en fleur" garnered $84.6 million Efe news reported.

In addition Matisse s 60.5 x 81.1 cm oil on canvas "Odalisque couchee aux magnolias" painted in Nice in 1923 was sold for $80.7 million.

The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller with more than 1 500 items of art furniture porcelain lighting and décor included works by Picasso Matisse Monet Gauguin Miro Manet Renoir and Hopper.

A work done in 1931 by Mexican artist Diego Rivera "The Rivals" which depicts a traditional party in the Mexican state of Oaxaca was also one the highlights of the event and could fetch $7 million.

The collection valued at over $500 million was put up for auction one year after the death of philanthropist David Rockefeller and the money raised will go to charitable causes chosen by his heirs.

--IANS
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