Andy Warhol’s portrait of Michael Jackson dropped from Hamptons gallery’s auction

Warhol’s Jackson portrait dropped from NY auction

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. — A New York art gallery has temporarily removed an Andy Warhol portrait of Michael Jackson from the auction block.

The Vered Gallery in East Hampton says enormous interest prompted the decision. The auction was to close Sunday.

The 30-by-26-inch painting shows a smiling Jackson in a red jacket from his “Thriller” days. Pre-sale estimates ranged anywhere from $1 million to $10 million.

There’s renewed interest in all things Jackson since his death. His albums are back at the top of the charts.

Gallery co-owner Janet Lehr says in a statement she wants to offer the 1984 work to “the greatest number of prospective purchasers.” She did not immediately return inquiries for comment Monday.

The portrait is reportedly owned by a New York collector.