The art world has always been a realm of fascination where creativity and beauty intertwine with substantial economic value. Paintings, particularly, have captivated collectors and art enthusiasts alike, often fetching staggering prices at auctions.
In this article, we will explore some of the most expensive paintings ever sold, showcasing the immense value placed on these timeless works of art.
Kirsty Wigglesworth/ Associated Press | The Salvator Mundi painting depicts a frontal portrait view of Jesus Christ, depicting the top half of his torso, shoulders, and head
"Salvator Mundi" by Leonardo da Vinci - $450.3 million
Topping the list is "Salvator Mundi" by the iconic Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. This masterpiece, depicting Christ holding a crystal orb, was painted around 1500. After being lost for centuries, the painting resurfaced in 2005 and underwent extensive restoration.
In 2017, it was auctioned at Christie's in New York, smashing all previous records with a jaw-dropping price of $450.3 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold.
"Interchange" by Willem de Kooning - $300 million
Created in 1955, "Interchange" is a seminal abstract expressionist painting by Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning. This vibrant and energetic artwork features bold brushstrokes and dynamic colors. In 2015, the painting was sold privately for a reported $300 million, solidifying its status as one of the most valuable paintings in history.
"The Card Players" by Paul Cézanne - Estimated at $250 million
Paul Cézanne's post-impressionist masterpiece, "The Card Players," is a series of five paintings created between 1890 and 1895. Depicting peasants engrossed in a game of cards, these artworks are considered some of the artist's finest works.
Slices of Light/ Flickr | The Card Players is a series of oil paintings by the French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne
One version of "The Card Players" was sold to the State of Qatar in a private sale in 2011, with estimates placing its value at around $250 million, though the exact sale price remains undisclosed.
"Nafea Faa Ipoipo?" (When Will You Marry?) by Paul Gauguin - $210 million
Paul Gauguin's vibrant and evocative painting "Nafea Faa Ipoipo?" (When Will You Marry?) was created during his time in Tahiti in 1892. The artwork features two Tahitian women in traditional attire. In 2015, it was sold privately for a reported $210 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold.
"Number 17A" by Jackson Pollock - $200 million
Jackson Pollock, a prominent figure in abstract expressionism, created "Number 17A" in 1948. This large-scale artwork showcases Pollock's signature drip painting technique, with layers of chaotic and intricate patterns. In 2015, the painting was reportedly sold for $200 million in a private sale, firmly establishing Pollock's work among the most valuable in the art world.
Artothek/ Associated Press | Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) is one of the famous paintings created by the French artist Paul Gauguin in 1892
"No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red)" by Mark Rothko - $186 million
Mark Rothko's mesmerizing abstract painting, "No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red)," was created in 1951. This color field masterpiece features Rothko's characteristic stacked rectangles, evoking a sense of depth and contemplation. In 2014, the painting was sold privately for an estimated $186 million, reflecting the enduring appeal and value of Rothko's work.
"Les Femmes d'Alger" (Version O) by Pablo Picasso - $179.4 million
Pablo Picasso's "Les Femmes d'Alger" (Version O) is a vibrant and intricate composition that pays homage to Eugène Delacroix's famous painting. Created in 1955, this artwork is part of Picasso's series inspired by Delacroix's "The Women of Algiers." 2015 it was sold for $179.4 million at auction, setting a record for the most expensive Picasso painting ever sold.
