Triptych by Francis Bacon Sold For $51.7 Million

Oil, pastel and letraset on canvas. Each 78 x 58 ⅛in. (198 x 147.5cm.). Executed in 1974, the central panel was reworked in 1977.

Highest Post-War Work Sold In Europe. Triptych 1974-77 by Francis Bacon (1909-1992) sold for £26.3 million ($51.7 million/€35.2 million), becoming the most expensive work of art ever sold at Christie’s in London and the most valuable Post-War and Contemporary work sold in Europe. Christie’s Post War & Contemporary Art Evening Sale realised a total of £72,930,500 ($143,089,641/€97,581,009).

Who is the rich art buyer of this triptych?
The Bacon sold to an unidentified male bidder, standing on the edge of the crowded auction room, who left immediately after the hammer fell.
It was a mystery buyer. A young man with long hair who was carrying a leather jacket and spoke English.