The name Frank Frazetta is synonymous with the highest caliber fantasy art so when his original art comes up for auction, it brings out loyal fans and fierce bidders. This was proven once again when his Egyptian Queen 1969 fantasy painting, one of his most important pieces, sold for an astounding world record $5.4 million.

The painting sold on Thursday, May 16, 2019 during Heritage Auctions’ vintage comic books and comic art auction in Chicago, Illinois.

It is now the highest selling piece of original comic book art ever sold in public auction. Frazetta held the previous record of $1.79 million for his Death Dealer 6 that was sold by Heritage in May 2018.

Egyptian Queen first appeared in print on the cover of Eerie #23 and has since been reprinted in multiple formats. The piece is credited more than most with revolutionizing fantasy illustrations.

“This result elevates Frank Frazetta’s art into the stratosphere of visual narrative art on a par with the likes of Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish and other luminaries,” Heritage Auctions Vice President Todd Hignite said.

The painting had been in the Frazetta family’s possession since it was created 50 years ago, making this auction the first time it was made available for private ownership. The painting also set a house record for most expensive item ever sold by Heritage, surpassing a luxury Dallas estate that hammered for $4.95 million in 2016.