'The Scream': Edvard Munch's painting goes for $119.9 million

"The Scream" by Edvard Munch is one of the most famous paintings in the world and it just sold at auction for an astounding sum. The 1895 painting that is a symbol of anxiety was sold at Sotheby's on May 2 for $119.9 million

According to USA Today, the 1895 artwork -- a modern symbol of human anxiety -- was sold at Sotheby's Wednesday evening. The version of "The Scream" sold is one of four painted between 1893 and 1910. This is a record sum for a painting. The proceeds will go to building a new museum, art center and hotel in Norway.

The painting's image has been "used by everyone from Warhol to Hollywood to cartoons to teacups and T-shirts," said Michael Frahm of the art firm Frahm Ltd. "Together with the "Mona Lisa," it's the most famous and recognized image in art history."