Francis Bacon artwork auctioned for record $142 million

AP Photo/Christie’s

This undated photo provided by Christie’s shows “Three Studies of Lucian Freud,” a triptych by Francis Bacon of his friend and artist Lucian Freud.

By Ula Ilnytzky, Associated Press

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013 | 6:30 p.m.

NEW YORK — A 1969 painting by Francis Bacon has sold for over $142 million in New York, a record for most expensive artwork ever sold at auction.

"Three Studies of Lucian Freud" was sold at Christie's postwar and contemporary art sale on Tuesday night. The work depicts Bacon's artist friend.

The price tops the nearly $120 million paid for Edvard Munch's "The Scream," which set a world record when it was sold at a Sotheby's 2012 sale.

The previous record for Bacon's artwork sold at auction was his 1976 "Triptych." That sold for $86 million in 2008.