Van Gogh, Picasso works draw millions at NY auction

Sales of two high profile works by Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso topped an auction of Impressionist and modern art in New York Tuesday.

Van Gogh's L'Arlesienne, Madame Ginoux sold to an anonymous buyer for $40.3 million US, the fourth-highest price ever paid for a painting by the Dutch artist at auction, according to Christie's.

The work, which he completed in 1890, depicts Marie Ginoux, the owner of a cafe in the southern French city of Arles, where he had a studio. Van Gogh painted five portraits of Ginoux: one was destroyed and the remaining three are on display in museums.

Picasso's large-scale painting Le Reposalso fetched a high price, selling for $34.7 million USafter a bidding war.

The vibrant work, which Picasso painted in 1932, portrays his wife, Olga Khokhlova. It was purchased by the Gagosian Gallery, Christie's officials said.

Portrait de Germaine, another Picasso work, sold for $18.6 million US.

Overall, 43of the evening's 50 lots were picked up, with other highlights including the sale of Henry Moore sculptures Large Four Piece Reclining Figure for $5 million US and Reclining Figure for $3.6 million US.

The spring auction season continues in New York through next week.