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Warhol’s Jackson portrait off auction block

Gallery temporarily removes painting; pre-sale estimates as high as $10M

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updated 11:18 a.m. ET July 13, 2009

EAST HAMPTON, New York - A New York art gallery has temporarily removed an Andy Warhol portrait of Michael Jackson from the auction block.

The Vered Gallery in East Hampton says enormous interest prompted the decision. The auction was to close Sunday.

The painting, which is 30 inches by 26 inches, shows a smiling Jackson in a red jacket from his "Thriller" days. Pre-sale estimates ranged anywhere from $1 million to $10 million.

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There's renewed interest in all things Jackson since his death. His albums are back at the top of the charts.

Gallery co-owner Janet Lehr says in a statement she wants to offer the 1984 work to "the greatest number of prospective purchasers." She did not immediately return inquiries for comment Monday.

The portrait is reportedly owned by a New York collector.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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