Two 20th century masterpieces smashed world records at a New York art auction Monday, dubbed by collectors as "the sale of the century."
Pablo Picasso's "The Woman of Algiers -- Version O" sold for more than $179 million at Christie's Auction House -- the highest price ever paid for a single painting.
The Spanish master created the work as part of a series of paintings created in 1954 and 1955.
The name of the telephone buyer was not disclosed.
Another buyer paid $141 million for Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti's "Pointing Man" -- smashing the record for a piece of sculpture.
Another Giacometti pointing man sculpture held the previous record.
Thirty-four pieces of rare art were sold at Monday's auction, bringing in $706 million.
Experts say interest in modern art and Impressionism is soaring among private investors.
