The 10 Most Expensive Artworks Ever Sold
In today’s ever-changing art world, collectors are venturing beyond traditional boundaries, investing in pieces that speak to their personal aesthetics. Whether discovered in the hushed halls of an exclusive contemporary gallery or amid the curiosities of a well-appointed antique store, art acquisitions are no longer dictated solely by historical prestige - they are driven by passion, vision, and, increasingly, bold financial commitments.
Each year, record-breaking sales at auction houses and private galleries redefine the art market. Here, we list some of the most expensive acquisitions in art history:
Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci – $450 Million
The world’s most expensive painting, Salvator Mundi, fetched an astonishing $450 million at a Christie’s auction in 2017. Acquired by an anonymous buyer, later revealed to be acting on behalf of Saudi Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud. The masterpiece now falls under the stewardship of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture.
Salvator Mundi (Latin for “Savior of the World”) is shrouded in intrigue, as many scholars question whether the entirety of the composition can be attributed to da Vinci. A 2018 Louvre analysis suggested the piece evolved, with Leonardo adding crucial details, including the hands, in later stages.
Interchange by Willem de Kooning – $300 Million
Abstract Expressionist master Willem de Kooning revolutionized modern art with his gestural, energetic brushwork. His 1955 painting Interchange epitomizes a pivotal shift in his oeuvre from figurative portrayals of women to dynamic, urban-inspired abstraction.
Hedge fund billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin secured the piece in 2015 for $300 million, reinforcing de Kooning’s status as one of the most influential painters of the 20th century.
The Card Players by Paul Cézanne – $250 Million
An enduring symbol of post-impressionist innovation, The Card Players is one of five works in Cézanne’s famed series. This particular rendition, exuding an air of serene concentration, was acquired in 2011 by the royal family of Qatar for $250 million.
A testament to Cézanne’s mastery, the painting diverges from his earlier vibrantly colored compositions, embracing a subdued yet profoundly compelling aesthetic.
Nafea Faa Ipoipo? by Paul Gauguin – $210 Million
One of Paul Gauguin’s earliest works following his 1891 arrival in Tahiti, Nafea Faa Ipoipo? (“When Will You Marry?”) captures the delicate interplay of cultural identity and European artistic vision.
Initially reported to have sold for $300 million, a subsequent legal dispute revealed its actual sale price to be $210 million. The painting’s luminous hues and symbolic storytelling cement its place among the most coveted works of art.
Number 17A by Jackson Pollock – $200 Million
A defining force in the Abstract Expressionist movement, Jackson Pollock pioneered the revolutionary “drip” technique. Number 17A, with its intricate web of color and kinetic energy, is emblematic of his radical approach.
Acquired by Kenneth C. Griffin for $200 million in 2015, this masterpiece is a visceral celebration of movement, emotion, and unbridled creativity.
The Standard-Bearer by Rembrandt – $198 Million
This 1636 self-portrait of Rembrandt exudes the artist’s signature intensity and dramatic chiaroscuro.
Originally part of England’s royal collection before its acquisition by the Rothschild family, The Standard-Bearer was ultimately purchased by the Dutch government for $198 million in 2022, ensuring its place within the Netherlands’ national heritage.
Shot Sage Blue Marilyn by Andy Warhol – $195 Million
Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn shattered records at a 2022 Christie’s auction, selling for just over $195 million to art dealer Larry Gagosian.
A striking icon of pop art, the work belongs to Warhol’s renowned five-painting series, famously “shot” by performance artist Dorothy Podber, cementing its place in contemporary art legend.
No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) by Mark Rothko – $186 Million
Mark Rothko’s 1951 masterpiece, No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red), exemplifies his signature color field technique.
The harmonious blend of vibrant hues and softened edges evokes a meditative quality, securing its place as one of the most expensive privately sold paintings at $186 million.
Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit by Rembrandt – $180 Million
A rare pair of full-length wedding portraits painted by a young Rembrandt in 1634, these works remain together - a remarkable feat given the era’s penchant for separating portrait pairs.
The Louvre and the Rijksmuseum jointly acquired the paintings for $180 million, ensuring their continued display across both institutions.
Water Serpents II by Gustav Klimt – $170 Million
An opulent vision of sensuality and movement, Water Serpents II (1907) encapsulates Gustav Klimt’s signature aesthetic.
Once looted by the Nazis, the painting resurfaced decades later, ultimately selling for $170 million in 2017. Today, it stands as a symbol of both historical resilience and unparalleled artistic beauty.