Art and Opulence: 14 of the Most Expensive Works of Art Ever Sold
Art has long been a powerful medium for expression, and throughout history, some pieces have transcended their aesthetic value to inspire some bank account-bruising prices. In recent years, the art market has seen jaw-dropping sales that reflect not only the talent of the artists but also the deep pockets of collectors and investors. Check out 14 of the most expensive works of art ever sold, from Da Vinci’s masterpieces to Pollock’s signature styles.
1. ‘Salvator Mundi’ by Leonardo Da Vinci (1500)
Sold for: $450.3 Million
Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous works (or at least the ones most people are familiar with) might be the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper,” but his painting “Salvator Mundi” holds the record as the most expensive artwork ever sold. It fetched an astonishing $450.3 million at a Christie’s auction in 2017. The piece, which depicts Jesus holding a crystal orb, is one of fewer than 20 known paintings by the Renaissance master. Its remarkable history includes centuries of being lost, in poor condition, and misattributed before resurfacing in the early 2000s. The sale of “Salvator Mundi” not only captivated the art world but also sparked debate about its authenticity, adding to the intrigue surrounding its monumental price tag.
2. ‘Interchange’ by Willem de Kooning (1955)
Sold for: $300 Million
Willem de Kooning’s “Interchange” became one of the most expensive paintings ever sold when it was purchased for $300 million in a private sale in 2015. Created in 1955, this abstract expressionist masterpiece reflects de Kooning’s dynamic brushwork and innovative approach to form and color, marking a pivotal point in his career. The painting was originally sold by de Kooning for just $4,000, underscoring its colossal rise in value over the decades. The buyer, hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin, acquired “Interchange” alongside Jackson Pollock’s “Number 17A” (more on that later).
3. ‘Nafea Faa Ipoipo?’ by Paul Gauguin (1892)
Sold for: $210 Million
Paul Gauguin’s “Nafea Faa Ipoipo?” (“When Will You Marry?”) made headlines in 2015 when it sold for an alleged $300 million in a private sale, making it the then-so-called most expensive artwork ever sold. Two years after the sale, however, it was discovered that the original report was wrong, and the painting actually sold for $210 million. The sale was reportedly brokered between the painting’s previous owner, a Swiss collector, and the Qatari royal family, who have become prominent art collectors.
4. ‘Number 17A’ by Jackson Pollock (1948)
Sold for: $200 Million
Jackson Pollock’s “Number 17A” became a significant landmark in art sales when it was sold for $200 million in a private transaction in 2016. Known for his innovative drip-painting technique, Pollock’s work revolutionized abstract expressionism, and Number 17A is a striking example of his chaotic yet controlled style. The painting was part of a deal in which hedge fund billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin also acquired Willem de Kooning’s “Interchange” (mentioned earlier).
5. ‘The Standard Bearer’ by Rembrandt (1636)
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Sold for: $197.9 Million
Rembrandt’s “The Standard Bearer,” painted in 1636, set a record for the artist when it sold for roughly $198 million in 2022. The Dutch government purchased the painting from a private collection to ensure it remained in the Netherlands, recognizing its immense historical and cultural significance. “The Standard Bearer” depicts a soldier in vibrant attire, showcasing Rembrandt’s mastery of light, shadow, and intricate detail during a pivotal time in his career.
6. ‘Shot Sage Blue Marilyn’ by Andy Warhol (1964)
Sold for: $195 Million
In 2022, Andy Warhol’s “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” sold for an astounding $195 million at a Christie’s auction, making it one of the most expensive pieces of 20th-century art ever sold. Created in 1964, this portrait of Marilyn Monroe is part of Warhol’s famous Marilyn series, which immortalized the actress through vibrant, repeated imagery. The sale shattered previous records for Warhol’s work and reinforced his legacy as a central figure in pop art.
7. ‘No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red)’ by Mark Rothko (1951)
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Sold for: $186 Million
Mark Rothko’s “No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red)” made waves in the art world when it sold for $186 million at auction in 2014. Painted in 1951, this vibrant piece showcases Rothko’s iconic style, with its large swathes of color designed to evoke deep feelings. The hefty price tag highlights how much collectors are willing to pay for groundbreaking works by artists like Rothko, making it clear that abstract expressionism is still highly sought after.
8. ‘Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit’ by Rembrandt (1634)
Sold for: $180 million
Rembrandt’s “Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit” made headlines when they sold for $180 million in 2016, making them one of the most expensive pairs of paintings ever sold. These stunning full-length portraits, created in 1634, depict a wealthy couple and showcase Rembrandt’s exceptional talent for capturing detail and personality. The sale was particularly notable as the paintings were acquired by the Rijksmuseum and the Louvre, ensuring that these masterpieces remain accessible to the public for years to come.
9. ‘Masterpiece’ by Roy Lichtenstein (1962)
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Sold for: $165 Million
Roy Lichtenstein’s “Masterpiece” proved to be a masterpiece after all when it sold for $165 million in a private sale in 2017 to hedge fund billionaire Steve Cohen. Created in 1962, this iconic piece showcases Lichtenstein’s distinctive comic book style, featuring bold colors and graphic lines that tell a playful story. The beyond-a-million price tag reflects the soaring demand for pop art and solidifies Lichtenstein’s legacy as a major player in the movement.
10. ‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II’ by Gustav Klimt (1912)
Sold for: $150 million
Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II” sold for $150 million in a private sale in 2016, making headlines since Oprah Winfrey was the seller. She originally purchased the painting in 2006 for $87.9 million — talk about a return on investment. The painting, rich in Klimt’s signature style, highlights his use of gold leaf and intricate patterns, making it a celebrated piece in the realm of early 20th-century art.
11. ‘Three Studies of Lucian Freud’ by Francis Bacon (1969)
Sold for: $142.2 million
Francis Bacon’s “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” sold for a staggering $142.4 million in 2013 at Christie’s in New York. This sale marked it as the most expensive artwork ever auctioned at the time. The triptych captures the intense relationship between the artist and his muse, Lucian Freud, and has since become iconic.
12. ‘Twelve Landscape Screens’ by Qi Baishi (1925)
Sold for: $140.8 million
When Qi Baishi’s “Twelve Landscape Screens” sold for $140.8 million in 2017, Baishi became the first Chinese artist to surpass the $100 million mark at auction. The painting, created in the 1920s, showcases Baishi’s masterful brushwork and vibrant depiction of nature. This monumental sale not only reflects the growing influence of Chinese art on the global stage but also highlights the increasing recognition of Baishi’s contributions to traditional Chinese painting.
13. ‘No. 5’ by Jackson Pollock (1948)
Sold for: $140 million
Jackson Pollock’s “No. 5” sold for $140 million. This significant sale took place in 2006 and surpassed the previous record held by Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” by approximately $5 million. The painting is known for its striking composition of brown and yellow drips and splatters, resembling a dense bird’s nest, and measures an impressive 8 feet by 4 feet. The buyer was rumored to be Mexican financier David Martínez, although the legitimacy of the sale has been shrouded in some controversy, with conflicting reports about Martínez’s ownership.
14. ‘Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I’ by Gustav Klimt (1907)
Sold for: $135 million
Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” sold for $135 million in 2006. This stunning work, completed in 1907, features intricate gold leaf and showcases Klimt’s signature style, merging symbolism with decorative elegance. The painting depicts Adele Bloch-Bauer, a prominent patron of the arts in Vienna, and is renowned for its captivating composition and rich detailing.
This sale was significant not only for its price but also for its cultural implications, since the painting was previously held in a contentious legal battle over its rightful ownership. It was returned to Bloch-Bauer’s heirs after being seized by the Nazis during World War II.