The Norwegian painter's pastel version of his most famous work - the only copy still privately owned - will go on sale at Sotheby's in New York in May (12).

It will be displayed in London before going up for auction in the Big Apple.

The iconic 1895 image of a haunted figure clutching its head in despair is Munch's most revered work, and even inspired the 'Ghostface' mask in Wes Craven's Scream slasher movie franchise.

A spokesman for Sotheby's tells the BBC, "(The Scream is) one of very few images which transcends art history and reaches a global consciousness. For collectors and institutions, the opportunity to acquire such a singularly-influential masterpiece is unprecedented in recent times."