Monet's masterpiece mistaken for AI artwork, NFT sold for $42,500 Anonymous artist SHL0MS uploaded a high-resolution scan of Monet's 1914 *Water Lilies* to X, cropped out the signature, and claimed it was AI-generated, drawing criticism from over 600 people. "Soulless," "lacks optical blending," "edges are too soft"—comments came from real painters and art critics alike. The post garnered 6.84 million views. Two days later, SHL0MS revealed the truth, compiled screenshots of all the critiques, and minted them into an NFT titled *Inferior Image*. After 28 bids, it sold for approximately $42,500, purchased by AI art collector @Jediwolf. SHL0MS later remarked: "'The 'AI' label gives people social permission to skip using their eyes and start talking.'"