One of legendary artist Jasper Johns "Flag" paintings was auctioned off last night at Christie's, and sold for $28.6 million, setting a new auction record for one of his pieces. The wax and paper collage was the highest selling item of the 31 works at auction from the art collection of the late author Michael Crichton. The buyer wasn't identified, but a Christie's spokesman said it was purchased by a gallery or other business, rather than an individual. more ›

Jasper Johns, a South Carolina native currently residing in Connecticut, first came to New York City in 1949 when he (briefly) attended Parsons School of Design. In 1954 he painted his first flag picture, and by 1958 he had his first one-man exhibition at the Leo Castelli Gallery. Today, The Met's director Philippe de Montebello states fact as the artist's new exhibit at the museum opens, saying "Without question, Jasper Johns is one of the greatest artists of our era." more ›