€34m Matisse

A SIX-FOOT Henri Matisse bronze of a nude woman seen from behind was sold for over $48 million (€34m) in New York City, a record auction price for the artist’s work.

Christie’s said Back IV was purchased by Gagosian Gallery.

The price included the buyer’s premium. It had been estimated to bring in $25m to $35m.

Matisse created a series of four of the bronze reliefs, what some consider his most ambitious sculptural work, between 1908 and 1931.

The singular motif of the works is a woman leaning against a wall. She is seen from behind.

Major museums have complete sets, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

Christie’s said it was the first time that one of the colossal bronzes was brought to auction.