Freud painting fetches almost $16 million

London -- An anonymous bidder has purchased a portrait by Lucian Freud for a record price of almost $16 million at auction at Christie's in London.

The painting of Bruce Bernard, a noted photographer who was part of Soho's artistic bohemia, attracted international bidding Wednesday night, The Telegraph reported Thursday.

The unknown buyer paid nearly four times the previous record for a work by Freud -- the previous high being just over $8 million for "Red-haired Man on a Chair" -- the British newspaper said.

The price also surpassed the previous record for a living European artist of $11.5 million for Peter Doig's "White Canoe."

Sixteen pieces by Andy Warhol were also sold during the auction, going for about $148 million.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.