‘The Scream’ Heads for the Auction Block

It has adorned everything from mugs and T-shirts to key chains, anti-George Bush campaign buttons, inflatable dolls and iPad covers. Now a version of Edvard Munch’s celebrated painting “The Scream’’ will be up for sale at Sotheby’s in New York on May 2, the auction house announced on Tuesday morning. Officials there estimate it could well bring more than $80 million.

Munch made four versions of the work, which has become the embodiment of angst and existential dread referenced by everyone from Warhol to “The Simpsons.” Three of them are in Norwegian museums and this one — from 1895 — is the only “Scream” still in private hands. It is being sold by Petter Olsen, a Norwegian shipping heir whose father, Thomas, was a friend, neighbor and patron of the artist.       Full Read