An elaborate tattoo of Virgin Mary on the back of a Swiss man fetched $219,000 from a German collector at a Zurich gallery on Monday, on condition he allows it to be exhibited at least three time a year.

Gallery owner Jutta Nexdorf said the extraordinary deal also gives the "buyer" the right to take from the skin of Tim Steiner the tattoo upon his death.

The 35-hour artwork was created by Belgian artist Wim Delvove, who is noted for depicting the mother of Jesus with a lifeless skull.

The owner of the artwork will also have the right to sell tattoo later, according to their agreement.