NFT Painting of Buterin in Harlequin Garb Sets Record in Weekend Crypto Art Sale

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, dressed like a medieval harlequin leaning against a velvet chair, stares past the viewer into the distance – that is until he’s rocketed into the sky while ether’s price flashes on the screen. Ethereum is rallying, the image suggests.

A programmable version of the scene just described made records this weekend, when a non-fungible representation sold for 260 ETH, or approximately $141,536.20. That’s the most paid, in dollar terms, for a work of crypto art to date, according to one of the painting’s co-creators, Trevor Jones.  

Not your average NFT. A collaboration between crypto artists Jones and Alotta Money, the digital painting EthBoy, a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Ethereum co-founder Buterin, uses new programmable technology called “layering” to remake itself daily.

More than ownership. Twitter user Maxstealth is now the owner of the unique painting, following a day-long auction. The sale can be observed here. But it’s more than a collector’s item, as the painting’s unique characteristics continue to yield revenue for its owner and creators. 

Jones’ year. Jones made headlines earlier this year for his record-setting (at the time) release of Picasso’s Bull. Last month, his Batman-themed Genesis drop on MakersPlace sold for 302 ETH. While EthBoy only brought in 260 ETH, below Async’s largest sale of 263 to date, it is likely the most paid for a digital painting, price wise.