Vincent Van Gogh's painting "Sunflowers" set records by being auctioned for $39.9 million at famed Christie's auction house in 1987. Adjusted for inflation, that price tag nearly doubles to approximately $74.5 million in 2014.
The opening bid of $8 million was almost quintupled within 5 minutes through a bidding war between two unidentified competitors who were bidding via telephone. The painting was purchased in March of 1987, just short of a century after it was originally painted in 1888.
While the painting was theorized to be taken abroad by its new owner, fans of Van Gogh wishing to see the "Sunflowers" painting may still do so. The record-breaking artwork is one of five versions believed to have been painted by the Dutch artist. The remaining four are owned by various museums, including the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and The National Gallery in London.
