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Since 1744, Sotheby’s has distinguished itself as a leader in the auction world. Committed to the very highest level of quality, Sotheby’s sales continue to capture the world’s attention, with the very best fine and decorative arts and jewelry in the global auction market.
Sotheby’s sold $4.4 billion of items that include everything from artwork to wine to jewelry in 2012, according to early 2013 estimates from the auction house’s investor-relations group. Take a look at the 10 priciest artworks.

No. 1: Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' (pastel on board in the artist's original frame, 1895)Sold for $119.9 million on May 2 in New York, setting a world record for any work of art at auction, according to Sotheby's
No. 1: Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ (pastel on board in the artist’s original frame, 1895)
Sold for $119.9 million on May 2 in New York, setting a world record for any work of art at auction, according to Sotheby’s
No. 2: Mark Rothko's 'No. 1 (Royal Red and Blue)' (oil on canvas, 1954) Sold for $75.1 million on Nov. 13 in New York
No. 2: Mark Rothko’s ‘No. 1 (Royal Red and Blue)’ (oil on canvas, 1954)
Sold for $75.1 million on Nov. 13 in New York
No. 3: Raffaello Sanzio's 'Auxiliary Cartoon for the Head of a Young Apostle' (drawing, 1519-1520) Sold for $47.9 million on Dec. 5 in London
No. 3: Raffaello Sanzio’s ‘Auxiliary Cartoon for the Head of a Young Apostle’ (drawing, 1519-1520)
Sold for $47.9 million on Dec. 5 in London
No. 4 (tie): Francis Bacon's 'Figure Writing Reflected in Mirror' (oil on canvas, 1976) Sold for $44.9 million on May 9 in New York
No. 4 (tie): Francis Bacon’s ‘Figure Writing Reflected in Mirror’ (oil on canvas, 1976)
Sold for $44.9 million on May 9 in New York
No. 4 (tie): Roy Lichtenstein's 'Sleeping Girl' (oil and magna on canvas, 1964) Sold for $44.9 million on May 9 in New York Explore More Life and Style Slideshows
No. 4 (tie): Roy Lichtenstein’s ‘Sleeping Girl’ (oil and magna on canvas, 1964)
Sold for $44.9 million on May 9 in New York
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 No. 6: Pablo Picasso's 'Still Life With Tulips' (oil on canvas, 1932) Sold for $41.5 million on Nov. 8 in New York Explore More Life and Style Slideshows

No. 6: Pablo Picasso’s ‘Still Life With Tulips’ (oil on canvas, 1932)
Sold for $41.5 million on Nov. 8 in New York
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 No. 7: Jackson Pollock's 'Number 4, 1951' (oil, enamel and aluminum paint on canvas) Sold for $40.4 million on Nov. 13 in New York Explore More Life and Style Slideshows

No. 7: Jackson Pollock’s ‘Number 4, 1951’ (oil, enamel and aluminum paint on canvas)
Sold for $40.4 million on Nov. 13 in New York
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 No. 8: Andy Warhol's 'Double Elvis [Ferus Type]' (silk-screen ink and spray paint on canvas, 1963) Sold for $37 million on May 9 in New York Explore More Life and Style Slideshows

No. 8: Andy Warhol’s ‘Double Elvis [Ferus Type]’ (silk-screen ink and spray paint on canvas, 1963)
Sold for $37 million on May 9 in New York
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No. 9: Joan Miró's 'Painting (Blue Star)' (oil on canvas, 1927) Sold for $36.9 million on June 19 in London
No. 9: Joan Miró’s ‘Painting (Blue Star)’ (oil on canvas, 1927)
Sold for $36.9 million on June 19 in London
No. 10: Gerhard Richter's 'Abstract Painting (809-4)' (1994) Sold for $34.2 million on Oct. 12 in London
No. 10: Gerhard Richter’s ‘Abstract Painting (809-4)’ (1994)
Sold for $34.2 million on Oct. 12 in London

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