The art world merges creative brilliance with elite collecting, where some artworks reach extraordinary prices. Here are the six most expensive paintings ever sold:
‘Salvator Mundi’ by Leonardo da Vinci The most expensive painting ever sold, ‘Salvator Mundi,’ which translates to ‘Savior of the World,’ was sold for $450.3 million in 2017. The painting’s attribution is debated, with some attributing it entirely to Leonardo da Vinci, while others believe parts were completed by his students.
‘Interchange’ by Willem de Kooning Willem de Kooning’s ‘Interchange,’ notable for its minimalistic approach and vibrant brushwork, fetched $300 million in 2015. Its high price reflects its significance in abstract expressionism.
‘The Card Players’ by Paul Cézanne Paul Cézanne’s ‘The Card Players,’ a serene depiction of peasants engaged in a card game, sold for $250 million to the Royal Family of Qatar in 2011. It is part of a series of five similar works.
‘Nafea Faa Ipoipo?’ by Paul Gauguin Paul Gauguin’s ‘Nafea Faa Ipoipo?’ or ‘When Will You Marry?’ sold for approximately $210 million. This 1892 painting features a poignant portrayal of Tahitian life and social expectations.
‘Number 17A’ by Jackson Pollock Jackson Pollock’s ‘Number 17A,’ a quintessential example of his drip technique, commanded $200 million in a private sale. It represents the height of Pollock’s abstract expressionist work.
‘The Standard-Bearer’ by Rembrandt Rembrandt’s ‘The Standard-Bearer,’ a masterful portrait demonstrating the artist’s skill with light and shadow, was acquired by the Dutch government for $198 million in 2021.
These sales highlight the profound impact and enduring value of these masterpieces in the art market.
You Might Be Interested In:
