7 Most Expensive Paintings Ever Sold

Posted by Shakeel Ahmed

Art transcends time, borders, and generations. Each masterpiece is a window into the artist's soul, carrying with it a piece of history, emotion, and culture. For centuries, art has inspired admiration and reverence, offering glimpses into the creativity of human expression.

However, for these precious gems of creativity to find their rightful appreciation, the world has placed monetary value on them. To art enthusiasts, though, these works remain priceless treasures—beyond the measure of mere currency. They understand that these paintings hold significance that transcends material worth. Yet, for worldly matters, a price tag is often necessary to gauge their impact. 

Let us journey through the canvas of history to explore the 7 most expensive paintings ever sold, ranked by their record-breaking price tags, and uncover the stories that make them invaluable.

The thirst for finding about costliest paintings is growing in the masses and some modern art is not covered in the list but identified by a Redditor in reply to a question it commented,

“There are quite a few. The Kaplans in NYC own the important “Leiden Collection” which include the last two Vermeer’s in private hands. Leon Black in NYC owns three of the most expensive drawings ever sold, two by Raphael, and one by Michelangelo. He also owns a $120M Modigliani currently hanging in the MoMA. Jan Six in Amsterdam has several Rembrandt portraits commissioned from the artist by his ancestors.

But I guess the answer is still Leonardo’s “Salvator Mundi” ($450M) which is privately owned by the Saudi Prince.”

Anonymous-USA

The price tag of these paintings is unknown and also they do not hold the same stature as the paintings we have mentioned. Let’s start with the painting also corroborated by the Redditor.

1. Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi" holds the title of the most expensive painting in the world. The ethereal depiction of Christ as the Savior of the World mesmerizes viewers with its lifelike detail, enigmatic expression, and spiritual aura. Painted around 1500, this masterpiece disappeared for centuries before being rediscovered and restored in the 21st century. Its sale at Christie’s in 2017 captivated global attention, shattering previous records.

Art historians have hailed "Salvator Mundi" as the epitome of da Vinci’s genius. "It’s not merely a painting; it’s a dialogue between divinity and humanity," remarked renowned art critic Martin Kemp. Source: ‘Debunking This Picture Became Fashionable’: Leonardo da Vinci Scholar Martin Kemp on What the Public Doesn’t Get About ‘Salvator Mundi’

Collector Insight: The painting was acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reportedly as a gift to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The secrecy surrounding its whereabouts continues to add to its mystique.

2. Interchange by Willem de Kooning

(Image Credits: Willem de Kooning)

Willem de Kooning’s "Interchange" is a testament to the power of abstract expressionism. Painted in 1955, its vibrant colors and dynamic strokes capture the raw energy of post-war art. This groundbreaking piece redefined the art market when it was sold in 2015.

“De Kooning’s work bridges chaos and beauty,” noted art historian Richard Shiff. "Interchange" exemplifies the freedom of expression that emerged in the mid-20th century. Source: de Kooning | by Richard Shiff

Collector Insight: Hedge fund billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin purchased "Interchange" along with Jackson Pollock’s "Number 17A" in a single deal, solidifying his status as a leading patron of modern art.

3. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne

(Image Credits: Paul Cézanne)

Paul Cézanne’s "The Card Players" is often described as the cornerstone of modern art. This series—of which one version fetched $250 million—depicts peasants engaged in an intense card game. The simplicity of the composition belies the depth of its storytelling. Source: Mary Tompkins-Lewis | Société Cezanne

When asked from an art scholar bearing the name Mary Tompkins Lewis, he explained, “Cézanne’s brilliance lies in turning the mundane into the monumental.” Source: 

Collector Insight: This particular version was acquired by the Qatari royal family, reflecting their dedication to building one of the world’s most prestigious art collections.

4. Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) by Paul Gauguin

(By Paul Gauguin - Kunstmuseum Basel, Martin P. Bühler, Public Domain)

Paul Gauguin’s "Nafea Faa Ipoipo," painted during his time in Tahiti, radiates the exotic charm of Polynesian culture. The work portrays two native women, one sitting serenely and the other looking directly at the viewer.

Discussing the painting at an art event, art critic Peter Schjeldahl said "Gauguin’s Tahitian works are his most profound explorations of identity and paradise" and we try to understand why this piece holds so much value from his quote. Different Strokes | The New Yorker

Collector Insight: Previously owned by Swiss collector Rudolf Staechelin, the painting’s sale marked a significant addition to Qatar’s growing portfolio of iconic art.

5. Number 17A by Jackson Pollock

(Image credits: Number 17A, 1948 by Jackson Pollock)

Jackson Pollock’s "Number 17A" embodies the revolutionary drip painting technique that cemented his reputation as a pioneer of abstract expressionism. The chaotic yet rhythmic composition feels like a visual symphony.

Art historian Ellen Landau had a personal opinion regarding the masterpiece created by Jackson Pollock. It stated, “Pollock’s work is an emotional outpouring, capturing the zeitgeist of post-war America." Source: Jackson Pollock: Landau, Ellen G.: 9780810992450: Amazon.com: Books

Collector Insight: Kenneth C. Griffin added this masterpiece to his collection alongside "Interchange," making it part of one of the most talked-about art acquisitions in history.

6. Les Femmes d'Alger ("Version O") by Pablo Picasso

(Image Source: Picasso’s 1950’s masterpiece | Christie's)

Pablo Picasso’s "Les Femmes d'Alger ("Version O")" is a dazzling tribute to Delacroix. Completed in 1955, this vibrant work is the culmination of a series exploring the exotic allure of Algerian women.

Art curator Diana Widmaier Picasso who shares the same last name as Pablo Picasso explained what she understood after examining the painting. She said, “Picasso’s mastery lies in his ability to innovate while paying homage to the past.” Source: Picasso’s Granddaughter On Sharing The Artist With The World

Collector Insight: The painting was sold to a private collector during an electrifying auction at Christie’s, setting a record for Picasso’s works.

7. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt

(Image Source: Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer 1, 1907 by Gustav Klimt)

Known as the "Golden Adele," Gustav Klimt’s "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" is a shimmering masterpiece of the Viennese Secession movement. Its intricate gold leaf design and intimate portrayal of Adele make it unforgettable.

“Klimt’s use of gold evokes both opulence and fragility," observed art historian Alessandra Comini and whispered while looking at the brush-tastic art piece and someone noted it. Source: (PDF) Alessandra Comini's Art History Murder Mystery books

Collector Insight: Acquired by Ronald Lauder, the painting now resides in the Neue Galerie in New York, where it continues to draw admirers from around the globe.

Why Are These Paintings So Expensive?

The staggering prices of these masterpieces can be attributed to their rarity, historical significance, and the enduring reputation of their creators. For collectors, owning such art is more than an investment—it’s a legacy. The global art market, driven by private sales, auctions, and billionaire collectors, ensures that these works remain among the most expensive art ever sold.

Where Are They Now?

While some paintings are displayed in public museums, others reside in private collections, shrouded in exclusivity. For example, "Salvator Mundi" is rumored to be aboard a Saudi yacht, while "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" is proudly displayed at the Neue Galerie in New York. Outbound links to museum websites provide additional insights for those wishing to explore these treasures further.

A few paintings held by private collectors are a noteworthy mention commented by another Redditor on the same question. 

“A few that haven’t gotten mentioned: “The Son of Man” by Magritte, which is owned by an anonymous private collector, and the often forgotten “Lansdowne Madonna” by Leonardo Da Vinci, which may be the only other Leonardo in private hands along with the “Salvador Mundi.” Also, Klimt’s “Water Spirits II.”

iskander32

Since their price is not known we cannot add them to the expensive ever list but it's good to know. 

Links to Museum Websites:

  1. Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci
    Explore the painting's journey: Christie's Auction House

  2. Interchange by Willem de Kooning
    Learn more about abstract expressionism: Art Institute of Chicago

  3. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne
    Discover Cézanne’s legacy: Musée d’Orsay

  4. Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) by Paul Gauguin
    Insights into Gauguin's work: National Gallery of Art

  5. Number 17A by Jackson Pollock
    Explore Pollock’s drip techniques: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

  6. Les Femmes d'Alger ('Version O') by Pablo Picasso
    Learn about Picasso’s series: Musée Picasso Paris

  7. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt
    Visit the "Woman in Gold": Neue Galerie

To Wrap The Expensive

These seven masterpieces are more than just the costliest paintings; they are milestones in the journey of human creativity. While their price tags may dazzle, their true value lies in their ability to inspire, connect, and endure through the ages. Whether housed in grand museums or private collections, these works remind us of art’s limitless power to move and transform.

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