The Giacometti sculpture of a walking man sold for $104,327,006 (see
Feb. 10 Kovels Komments) to become the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction. It was sold to an unidentified buyer now known to be Lily Safra, one of the world's richest people. She is the widow of Edmond Safra, who died in an arson fire in his Monte Carlo apartment in 1999. The fire made international news, and the arsonist, Mr. Safra's male nurse, was convicted of the crime in 2002. Lily Safra owns the world's most expensive house, near Monte Carlo, as well as property in Geneva, Monaco, and London. According to reports, she had the Giacometti statue delivered to London. She has been an ardent art collector and is chairwoman of her well-funded family foundation, which supports projects in 50 countries.
