See the Picasso Painting That Just Set a World Record for Art at Auction

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Spring Art Auctions Preview
Pablo Picasso's "Women of Algiers (Version O)," auctioned at Christie's in New York City on May 11, 2015.Courtesy of Christie's and the Estate of Pablo Picasso/Artists Rights Society (ARS)/AP

A Picasso painting became the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction on Monday, going for more than $179 million.

Christie’s said “Women of Algiers (Version O)” sold for $179,365,000. That figure, which the Associated Press reports to include the auction house’s premium, surpasses a Francis Bacon work called “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” that held the top spot, also selling at Christie’s for $142.4 million in 2013.

Picasso painted the work as part of a 15-painting series (versions A through O) created in 1954 and 1955, inspired by Eugène Delacroix’s 1834 “Women of Algiers.” Industry experts say art world prices are staying high as collectors see these top works as strong and lasting investments.

Can You Guess Which Famous Musicians Made These Paintings?

Neil Young Opening Night Reception For "Special Deluxe" Art Exhibition
Who painted this?Angela Weiss—Getty Images
Neil Young created these watercolors depicting one of his greatest passions: cars.Getty Images (2)
Italy Bob Dylan Exhibition
Who painted this?Antonio Calanni—AP
Bob Dylan created "New Orleans Series," a collection of paintings inspired by the city of New Orleans in the 1940s and '50s.AP; Getty Images
GERMANY-ART-EXHIBITION-DAVID BOWIE
Who painted this?Johannes Eisele—AFP/Getty Images
David Bowie painted this portrait of Japanese author Yukio Mishima in 1977.Getty Images (2)
Marilyn Manson "The Path Of Misery" Art Exhibition
Who painted this?Victor Chavez—WireImage/Getty Images
This painting from Marilyn Manson's "The Path of Misery" exhibition was featured in Mexico City in 2011.Getty Images (2)
Fondation Cartier Land 250 Exhibition - Patty Smith/Andrea Branzi
Who painted this?Francois Durand—Getty Images
This was the work of Patti Smith, seen in a 2008 exhibit called "Patti Smith, Land 250" in Paris.Getty Images (2)
Exhibition Arternativelight by Ringo Starr
Who painted this?Sebastien Nogier—EPA/Corbis
Exhibition Arternativelight by Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr created this work, titled "Is It Time?" in 2005.Sebastien Nogier—EPA/Corbis
Paul Simonon Presents New Exhibition
Who painted this?Chris Jackson—Getty Images
Paul Simonon, bassist for The Clash, created this series of oil paintings interpreting bullfights.Getty Images (2)
Artexpo New York 2007
Who painted this?George Napolitano—FilmMagic/Getty Images
Artexpo New York 2007
This one was by Paul Stanley of Kiss.George Napolitano—FilmMagic/Getty Images
Tony Bennett Presents A Painting To The National Portrait Gallery
Who painted this?Brendan Hoffman—Getty Images
Tony Bennett Presents A Painting To The National Portrait Gallery
Tony Bennett created this painting of jazz musician Duke Ellington. Bennett donated it to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery to mark the 110th anniversary of Ellington's birth.Brendan Hoffman—Getty Images
Ronnie Wood's High Tea - Private View
Who painted this?Chris Jackson—Getty Images
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood created this painting of his bandmates Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.Getty Images (2)

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