Modigliani portrait sets new European record at London auction

A painting by Amedeo Modigliani shattered European auction records, fetching 48.2 million pounds ($56 million) at a Sotheby's sale in London. The artwork, "Nu assis au collier" (Seated Nude with Necklace), was a highlight of the Joe Lewis Collection auction, which saw impressive results on its opening night.

The two-day auction features 48 works from the private collection of British businessman Joe Lewis, former owner of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. The first evening alone generated 296.3 million pounds (nearly 344 million euros), nearing the 2009 European record for a private collection sale. This record was set by the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé collection, which achieved 373.9 million euros.

Following Modigliani's record-setting piece, Gustav Klimt's "Portrait of Gertrud Loew" (1902) secured the second-highest price of the evening at 36.2 million pounds (around 42 million euros). Lucian Freud's "Sleeping by the Lion Carpet" (1995-96), a nude study of Sue Tilley, also performed strongly, selling for 29.3 million pounds (about 34 million euros).

Art enthusiasts anticipate further excitement as the auction continues, with Pablo Picasso's "Buste de femme" (1938), a portrait of his muse Dora Maar, set to go under the hammer. It is estimated to sell between 12 and 18 million pounds (14 to 21 million euros).