Behavior/Humans

World's Most Expensive Piece of Contemporary Art: Diamond-encrusted Skull Sold for $100 Million!

By British Damien Hirst

By Stefan Anitei, Science Editor

5th of September 2007, 20:11 GMT

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The head hunters from the rainforest could definitely not achieve this. A diamond-covered human skull made by British artist Damien Hirst was sold to an investment group for $100 million.

The skull named "For the Love of God" has a platinum top, 8,601 gemstones embedded on it and it is regarded as the world's most

expensive piece of contemporary art.

The buyers are unknown but a spokeswoman for the White Cube, the hottest contemporary art gallery in London and Hirst's sole seller, said they planned to re-sell the artwork later and Hirst still has part-ownership.

The skull belongs to a 35-year-old 18th century European man, rumored to be a monk or a minor saint (hence the name) and triggered sensation when first presented in central London on 3 June and its price tag was amongst the reasons.
Some qualified it as tasteless while others see in it a reflection of celebrity-obsessed culture.

Hirst, 41, characterized the skull as "uplifting" and "taking your breath away".

The centerpiece of the skull is a pear-shaped pink diamond, located in the forehead. Only the new teeth of the artwork were estimated to $ 28 million.

"Hirst is planning a global tour for the skull following its sale," said a spokeswoman for the White Cube gallery, but by now there are no dates or locations.

"As the artist had retained a share in the artwork, he would benefit financially if it was sold in the future."

Hirst's trademark medicine cabinets turned into the most expensive work by a living European artist sold at auction, earlier this year.

Lullaby Spring had 6,136 individually painted pills and was sold for $ 19.5 million at Sotheby's (London).

Hirst is the richest British artist and White Cube made $262 million in sales in June from Hirst's other works. He is most famous for preserving animals in formaldehyde and deny those claiming his works are a standing joke against the art.

TAGS:

diamond | skull | art

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