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An 18th century painting of the American revolution leader George Washington sold for 21.3 million at a New York auction, setting a new record for a US portrait going under the hammer, according to Christie's auction house.
The painting, sold late Saturday, is one of eight full-length portraits of Washington painted by Charles Willson Peale between 1779-1781, before the general became the first US president.
The 1779 portrait celebrates American victories against the British in Trenton and Princeton.
Peale (1741-1827) sent the portrait to Spain soon after its completion. The painting was intended to promote the American cause abroad and coincided with Spain's formal entry into the conflict, according to Christie's.
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AFP 222105 GMT 01 06
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