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One of Vincent van Gogh's most famous works is displayed at Christie's in London prior to an auction that is expected to see the painting leave the UK. Debbie Thrower reports on the growing trend of record-breaking auctions for art. Sunflowers (originally titled Tournesols) comes from a series of still-life works Van Gogh created between 1888 and 1889.

At least nine versions of the painting are known to exist. This particular painting eventually sold for nearly £25m. The successful bidder at this auction was Yasuo Goto of the Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Japan. In July the same year, the painting (pictured) was reauctioned for 5.8 billion Japanese yen.

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