Bidding on Banksy's re-worked thrift store painting has finally come to a close this week. The second-hand artwork, originally purchased for $50 and altered to include the figure of a Nazi officer, sold for an impressive $615,000.
The original painting left the shelves of New York City's Housing Works about two months ago, purchased by an unknown buyer, reported the Associated Press. It was then dropped back off at the thrift store, with an added touch -- the image of a seated Nazi.
British street artist Banksy claimed the work as his own on his Instagram account, and Housing Works, an advocacy group dedicated to issues of homelessness and HIV/AIDS, quickly decided to put the unusual artwork up for auction.
The closing bid went to a user named gorpetri, who's offer of $615,000 was a far cry from the starting price, $74,000.
"This marks the highest revenue in history for any one item sold by Housing Works in any of its 12 thrifts shops or online," Rebecca Edmondson, director of public relations, explained to Gothamist.
The painting's proceeds will go towards maintaining Housing Works' services, including medical care, case management and housing for homeless individuals and individuals with AIDS.
For more on Banksy's artworks in New York City, check out our coverage of his "Better Out Than In" residency here.
Related
Before You Go
