Madonna and Guy painting is sold

A painting by Peter Howson depicting pop star Madonna in the nude with former husband Guy Ritchie has been purchased by an anonymous buyer.

The Glasgow artist produced the oil painting Madonna & Guy in 2005 as part of a series of portraits of the pop icon in a state of undress.

It was sold by McTear's Auctioneers in Glasgow to a buyer outside Scotland for more than its reserve price of £15,000.

The painting had failed to sell at an auction last month.

'Excellent price'

Madonna and Guy Ritchie divorced in November after eight years of marriage.

In the painting the singer is reclining and film director Ritchie has a hand on her thigh.

Despite several bids at auction last month, the work did not sell after failing to meet its reserve price.

Brian Clements from McTear's Auction House said: "We were very confident we would find the right buyer for 'Madonna and Guy' and we are delighted to have secured such an excellent price for the painting.

"Although we cannot divulge the name of the buyer, we can confirm that the painting will be leaving Scotland."