Leo Martínez
The art market has witnessed some staggering prices for paintings over the years, with the record for the most expensive painting ever sold being held by Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi, which fetched a staggering $450 million at a Christie's auction in 2017. This price far surpasses the previous records set by artworks such as Interchange by Jackson Pollock, which sold for a reported $350 million, and Portrait of Adele Bloch by Klimt, which sold for $150 million in 2016. The list of the most expensive paintings is ever-evolving, with new sales and discoveries of old masterpieces pushing the boundaries of what collectors are willing to pay for a piece of art history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Leonardo da Vinci (disputed) |
| Painting Title | Salvator Mundi |
| Date of Artwork | c. 1500 |
| Date Sold | November 2017 |
| Buyer | An anonymous buyer, allegedly acting for Saudi prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan al-Saud |
| Seller | Christie's auction house |
| Location of Sale | New York City |
| Sale Price | $450 million (including commission) |
| Type of Sale | Auction |
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What You'll Learn
Salvator Mundi, sold for $450 million
The most expensive painting ever sold is believed to be Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi," which fetched a remarkable $450 million at auction in 2017. This sale not only shattered records but also sparked intense discussions and speculations in the art world and beyond.
"Salvator Mundi" translates from Latin as "Savior of the World," and the painting depicts Christ holding a crystal orb in his left hand while raising his right hand in blessing. It is believed that da Vinci created the work around 1500 for King Louis XII of France and his consort, Anne of Brittany. The painting is done in the sfumato style, characteristic of da Vinci, which gives the subject a soft, enigmatic quality.
The path that led "Salvator Mundi" to its record-breaking sale is almost as intriguing as the painting itself. It was long believed that the original had been destroyed, and the version that emerged and was eventually sold had an extensive restoration and ownership history. Its authenticity and condition have been subjects of debate among art experts, adding to the mystery surrounding this iconic work.
The painting was initially acquired by a consortium of art dealers in 2005, who paid a mere $1,175 for what they believed was a copy. After extensive research and restoration, the painting was authenticated as da Vinci's original and its value skyrocketed. The work then passed through several prominent art collectors before its historic sale.
The $450 million sale in 2017 was facilitated by Christie's auction house in New York. The buyer remained anonymous, fueling further intrigue. However, it was later revealed that the Saudi Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan was the purchaser, acting on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. The painting was intended to be the centerpiece of the new Louvre Abu Dhabi, adding a layer of cultural diplomacy to its already fascinating story.
The sale of "Salvator Mundi" for $450 million not only highlighted the enduring fascination with Leonardo da Vinci's genius but also demonstrated the immense value that can be placed on a single work of art. This record-breaking sale continues to resonate, influencing art markets and capturing the imagination of art enthusiasts worldwide.
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Interchange, sold for $350 million
Interchange, an abstract expressionist oil painting by Dutch-American painter Willem de Kooning, is one of the most expensive paintings ever sold. The painting, completed in 1955, marked de Kooning's transition from painting women to abstract urban landscapes. It features a fleshy pink mass at its centre, representing a seated woman.
De Kooning originally sold the painting in 1955 for $4,000 to $40,000 (the exact figure is disputed). However, in 2015, 60 years later, it was sold by the David Geffen Foundation to hedge fund manager and billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin for $300 million. This price, when adjusted for inflation, could be as high as $350 million. This sale made Interchange the second most expensive painting ever sold at the time, surpassed only by Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi, which sold for $450.3 million in 2017.
Interchange has had several owners since de Kooning first sold it. Architect Edgar Kaufmann Jr. bought it in 1955, and it was then sold by his estate at Sotheby's in 1989 to Japanese art dealer Shigeki Kameyama for $20.7 million. Kameyama sold it at a loss a few years later to David Geffen due to the bursting of the Japanese asset price bubble and the early 1990s recession.
The painting was on loan at the Art Institute of Chicago but is no longer there as of 2024.
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Number 17A, sold for $200 million
Number 17A, a painting by American artist Jackson Pollock, fetched a staggering price of $200 million when it was sold in 2015. This abstract expressionist work, created by the master of drip painting, has become one of the most expensive paintings ever sold, attracting attention from art enthusiasts and the media alike.
The painting's journey to its record-breaking sale is a fascinating one. Completed in 1948, it was part of Pollock's seminal 'drip period', where he pioneered a revolutionary technique of pouring and dripping paint onto canvas. This particular work is a testament to Pollock's unique style, showcasing his mastery of line, colour, and composition, all woven together in a complex and captivating tapestry.
Measuring 68.6 inches by 55.3 inches (174 cm x 140.5 cm), the painting is a substantial work that demands attention. It is characterized by Pollock's signature intricate web of lines, drips, and splatters of paint, creating a complex and dynamic composition that draws viewers into its intricate maze. The painting's title, 'Number 17A', is a simple designation that belies the depth and complexity of the artwork itself.
The $200 million sale of Number 17A was a significant event in the art world, sparking conversations about the value of art, the economics of the art market, and the legacy of artists like Jackson Pollock. The painting's high price tag also raises questions about art accessibility and the role of art in society. Who has access to these iconic works, and how can we ensure that art remains a public good that enriches the lives of many, rather than becoming a commodity accessible only to a select few?
While the sale of Number 17A for $200 million has cemented its place in art history, the painting's impact extends beyond its monetary value. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of abstract expressionism and the profound impact of Jackson Pollock's innovative techniques. The painting continues to inspire and fascinate viewers, offering a glimpse into the brilliant mind of one of the 20th century's most influential artists.
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The Card Players, sold for $250 million
The Card Players, painted by Paul Cézanne in the early 1890s, is a series of five oil paintings that depict Provençal peasants playing cards. The paintings vary in size, the number of players, and the setting in which the game takes place. Cézanne adapted a motif from 17th-century Dutch and French genre paintings, which often depicted card games with rowdy, drunken gamblers in taverns. However, Cézanne's portraits are noted for their lack of drama, narrative, and conventional characterization. The models for the paintings were local farmhands, some of whom worked on the Cézanne family estate.
In 2011, one version of The Card Players was sold to the Royal Family of Qatar for a record price estimated at $250 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold at the time. The sale more than doubled the previous auction record for a work of art and sent shockwaves through the modern art market. The painting had previously been owned by Greek shipping magnate George Embiricos, who had been offered upwards of $220 million for the painting but chose to sell it to Qatar without quibbling on price.
The purchase of The Card Players was part of Qatar's efforts to assert itself as a world-class intellectual mecca, courting top universities and financial institutions and investing in premium Western and Islamic art. The acquisition also granted Qatar entry into an exclusive art club, as The Card Players is considered a major, influential image that is often included in art history courses.
While some critics questioned whether the painting was worth the high price tag, others recognized its significance in art history and Cézanne's influence on subsequent art movements such as Cubism and abstract art. Pablo Picasso even referred to Cézanne as "the father of us all." The Card Players remains a cornerstone of Cézanne's artistic legacy and a highly valued work of art.
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Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, sold for $195 million
The most expensive painting ever sold is believed to be Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi, which sold for a record-breaking $450.3 million at Christie's in New York in 2017. However, the painting that fetched the second-highest price at an auction is Andy Warhol's "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn", which sold for $195 million at Christie's in New York in 2022.
"Shot Sage Blue Marilyn" is a 1964 silkscreen painting by Andy Warhol, measuring 40 inches square. It is part of his iconic "Shot Marilyns" series, which includes four other paintings of Marilyn Monroe with different coloured backgrounds—red, orange, light blue, and turquoise. The series was created using a precise but labour-intensive technique that resulted in a particularly beautiful and aligned silk screen. The "Shot Marilyns" series was aptly named. In the fall of 1964, a woman walked into Warhol's Factory studio with a pistol and shot at a stack of four Marilyn paintings. Fortunately, the canvas that went up for auction at Christie's was not pierced by the bullet.
The "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn" painting was purchased by Larry Gagosian, who was present at the auction. The painting was offered for auction by the Thomas and Doris Ammann Foundation, a new charity formed after Doris Ammann passed away. The proceeds from the sale, minus the buyer's premium, went to the foundation's efforts dedicated to healthcare and education for underprivileged children internationally.
The sale of "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn" set a new record as the most expensive 20th-century artwork ever sold at auction and the highest price achieved for any American work of art at auction. It surpassed the previous auction sale record for a 20th-century painting, which was held by Pablo Picasso's "Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O)", sold at Christie's in May 2015 for $179.4 million.
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Frequently asked questions
Salvator Mundi, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, was sold for $450 million in 2017. However, there is some dispute over whether the painting was entirely produced by da Vinci.
Interchange by Jackson Pollock was sold for $350 million in 2011. Number 17A, also by Pollock, was sold for $200 million in 2015.
Jeff Koons' sculpture Rabbit sold for $91.1 million at a 2019 auction.
Georgia O'Keeffe's Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1 sold for $44.4 million in 2014.
