Monet auctioned for 50 million euros breaks record

A painting by Claude Monet was auctioned in Paris for a record price of 50 million euros, the highest ever for an artwork sold at public auction in France. The sale of "Iris" took place at Sotheby's, with six bidders competing for 45 minutes. The final bid was made by an Asian collector participating via phone. Previously, the record was held by Amedeo Modigliani's sculpture, sold for 43.2 million euros in 2010. The painting, measuring 1.60 by 1.80 meters, had never been publicly displayed and was part of the Schlumberger family's private collection. This year marks the centenary of Monet's death, celebrated with exhibitions in Paris.