The original cover art for Elton John's 1975 album "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" sold for an astonishing $212,500 on Tuesday at Heritage Auctions.
The art was created by legendary album cover artist Alan Aldridge, who, in addition to John's autobiographical ninth studio album, was responsible for The Who's "A Quick One," the Beatles' "Illustrated Lyrics" and Cream's final album "Goodbye Cream."
The consignor met Aldridge in the late 1980s in his framing shop, according to the auction house, become friends with the artist and obtained the artwork.
This sale marks the first time the work has appeared at public auction, having remained in the seller's private collection ever since.
Aldridge's work for the album was apparently inspired by the Renaissance painting "The Garden of Earthly Delights."
Original album cover art has a history of achieving top dollar at auction, with one of the most notable results coming in March for the cover art for Eric Clapton's "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs," which cleared $2 million.
Earlier this year, a sale of John's collection went to the auction block at Christie's, with paintings, clothes and a wide array of other personal items achieving more than $20 million.
A pair of his silver leather platform boots from 1971 fetched nearly $95,000, and his Cartier Crash sold for $277,200.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.