Virgin Mary tattoo on man's back sells for $257,880!

Melbourne, Sept 2 : In a bizarre art deal, a man fetched a whopping 257,880 dollars by selling an elaborate Virgin Mary tattoo on his back to a German collector, with the understanding it can be exhibited three times in a year.

Zurich gallery owner Jutta Nexdorf has claimed that the transaction is first of its kind, reports The Daily Telegraph.

Another aspect of the deal is that the 35-hour work can be removed from the bearer's skin upon death and handed to its owner. This piece of art, created by Belgian artist Wim Delvoye features the mother of Jesus with a lifeless skull.

In fact, the deal also allowed the owner to sell the tattoo in future. Right now, the proceeds from the sale are being shared among the gallery, Steiner and Delvoye. This much-publicised tattoo will go on show for the first time next week in Singapore and Shanghai.

ANI