A Christie's auction house spokeswoman says a painting by British artist Lucian Freud has broken a global record for living artists by good-looking more than $33 million at a New York sale.

Spokeswoman Sara Fox says nameless buyer won Tuesday's bidding for Mr. Freud's "Benefits Supervisor Sleeping." The life-size 1995 portrayal depicts a nude woman sleeping on a worn-out sofa.

At more than $33.6 million, the price easily topped the $23.6 million record for living artists. It was set in November by Jeff Koons' "Hanging Heart" monument.

The 85-year-old Freud is the grandson of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.

Tuesday's sale also included "Studies for Self portrayal," by British artist Francis Bacon. Ms. Fox says it sold for more than $28 million.

The prices include the auction house's commission, known as the buyer's payment.