Giacometti’s Pointing Man becomes world’s most expensive sculpture

YEREVAN, MAY 12, ARMENPRESS: Alberto Giacometti’s gaunt bronze sculpture, “L’homme au doigt (Pointing Man)” sold for $126 million, or $141.3 million with fees, an auction high for any sculpture, Armenpress reports, citing the International New York Times.

“Pointing Man,” an earlier, hand-painted bronze from 1947-51, is regarded by many as more compelling. Made in an edition of six, plus an artist’s proof, it had been acquired from the Sidney Janis Gallery in New York in 1970. Christie’s anonymous seller has been identified as the New York real estate magnate Sheldon Solow, according to artinfo.com. The Giacometti had been estimated to sell for $130 million and did not carry any financial guarantees. A less obviously commercial lot than the Picasso, it attracted just two telephone bidders.