Putin's painting fetches $1.14 million

A painting by Russian PM Vladimir Putin was auctioned in his hometown St Petersburg for 37 million rubles ($1.14 million).

A painting of an ice encrusted window by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was auctioned in his hometown St Petersburg Saturday for 37 million rubles ($1.14 million).

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The original "Putin" entitled usor (pattern) brought in a record price among the group of works by 28 well-known individuals, the organisers of the charitable auction were quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

"Vladimir Vladimirovitch has composed an excellent picture, although he has only just begun as an artist," said St Petersburg governor Valentina Matviyenko, speaking of the former Russian president.