Sotheby's has announced that the work will lead its Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale on May 2. The work, which dates from 1895, is one of four versions of the composition. The auctioneer says it's the only version still in private hands.

The head of Sotheby's Impressionist and Modern Art department in New York, Simon Shaw, says the price could exceed US$80 million (NZ$95 million).

The consignor is a Norwegian businessman, Petter Olsen. His father, Thomas, was a friend, neighbour and patron of Munch. Olsen says proceeds from the sale will go toward the establishment of a museum, art centre and hotel in Hvitsten, Norway.

Article sourced from NZ HERALD - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10787193