Two 20th century masterpieces smashed world records at a New York art auction Monday, dubbed by collectors as “the sale of the century.”

Pablo Picasso’s “The Woman of Algiers — Version O” sold for more than $179 million at Christie’s Auction House — the highest price ever paid for a single painting.

The Spanish master created the work as part of a series of paintings created in 1954 and 1955.

The name of the telephone buyer was not disclosed.

Another buyer paid $141 million for Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti’s “Pointing Man” — smashing the record for a piece of sculpture.

Another Giacometti pointing man sculpture held the previous record.

Thirty-four pieces of rare art were sold at Monday’s auction, bringing in $706 million.

Experts say interest in modern art and Impressionism is soaring among private investors. 
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