Carla Bruni's naked image sold for $91,000

A nude photograph of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's 'model' wife Carla Bruni has sold in New York for $91,000, smashing its auction estimate by nearly 20 times. The image of the glamorous French first lady was captured by photographer Michel Comte 15 years ago, and shows a younger, naked Bruni standing bare-breasted and pigeon-toed with her hands crossed at her waist.

According to Christie's, the image which fetched more than 20 times its expected price was bought by a Chinese art collector. However, the auction house has refused to reveal the name of the buyer.

Christie's had announced that the portrait of Bruni would be put up for auction just hours ahead of her successful state visit to Britain last month.

Defending its decision to put the picture on sale, the auction house described Bruni as "one of the most beautiful women in the world". "It's a work of art. It was shot in 1993 when Miss Bruni was a model and it's a tasteful nude portrait executed by a well known, respectable artist.

"Christie's stands by the works it represents to its clients, it doesn't censor or pass judgment on any content or subject matter. It's a perfectly respectable work of art," 'The Daily Telegraph' quoted Spokeswoman Milena Sales as saying.

The photograph, which measures 32.5cm by 22.5cm, was sold by German-born collector Gert Elfering and was acquired from the artist directly.

The Italian supermodel turned singer, who also posed nude in last month's GQ magazine, was described as "a very popular visitor to Britain" by Prime Minister Gordon Brown following a two day state visit that aimed to strengthen the British ties with France last month.

Ms Bruni stole many of the headlines during the visit and Mr Brown was pictured planting a kiss on her cheek.

She is expected to release her latest album, No Promises, in May.