Expensive Art: 2006'S Priciest Painting Sold

what was the most expensive painting sold in 2006

Many notable paintings were sold in 2006, including Oprah Winfrey's purchase of a painting for $88 million at Christie's, and the sale of an Abstract Expressionist work by Jackson Pollock for $140 million. This sale was made by record mogul David Geffen, and the buyer was rumoured to be Mexican billionaire David Martinez. Another notable sale was that of Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, which sold for $135 million. This painting features intricate gold leaf and showcases Klimt's signature style, merging symbolism with decorative elegance.

Characteristics Values
Artist Jackson Pollock
Painting Title No. 5, 1948
Buyer Steven A. Cohen
Seller David Geffen
Sale Price $140 million
Date of Sale 22 May 2006
Type of Sale Private
Broker Auction house Sotheby's
Medium Oil on fiberboard
Style Abstract expressionist
Size 2.4m x 1.2m

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Jackson Pollock's No. 5 sold for $140 million

Jackson Pollock's No. 5, an abstract expressionist painting, sold for a record-breaking $140 million in 2006. This sale surpassed the previous record held by Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I by approximately $5 million. The painting measures 8 feet by 4 feet and is characterised by a striking composition of brown and yellow drips and splatters, resembling a dense bird's nest.

No. 5 was painted in 1948 and is a significant work by the American painter Jackson Pollock, who is known for his contributions to the abstract expressionist movement. The painting was sold by record mogul David Geffen to an unknown buyer on May 22, 2006, with speculation that the buyer was Mexican billionaire David Martinez. However, Martinez's representatives have denied his ownership of the painting.

The sale of Jackson Pollock's No. 5 for $140 million in 2006 set a new record for the highest price ever paid for a painting at the time. This record-breaking sale reflected the rising market interest in modern art styles and highlighted the deep pockets of collectors and investors in the art world.

No. 5 is a valuable painting that showcases Pollock's unique style and technique. He created the image using the dripping method with brown, grey, white, and yellow colours on a fibreboard canvas. The painting is an impressive example of abstract expressionism and has earned its place among the most expensive paintings in the world.

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Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I sold for $135 million

Gustav Klimt's "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" sold for $135 million in 2006. This made it the most expensive painting ever sold at the time, a record later surpassed by Jackson Pollock's "No. 5", which sold for $140 million in the same year.

"Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" was purchased by cosmetics magnate Ronald Lauder for display in Manhattan's Neue Galerie. The painting, completed in 1907, is a stunning work that showcases Klimt's signature style, merging symbolism with decorative elegance. It is known for its intricate gold leaf and is considered a celebrated piece of early 20th-century art.

The portrait was commissioned by the sitter's husband, Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer, a Jewish banker and sugar producer. It is the second painting of the wife of Klimt's patron, industrialist Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer, and the only woman he ever painted twice. The painting took three years to complete, and its sale in 2006 was brokered by Christie's.

The previous record holder for the most expensive painting ever sold was Klimt's "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I", which sold for $137.5 million in 2006. This work was also known for its striking use of gold leaf and was sold by David Geffen to Steven A. Cohen.

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Oprah Winfrey bought Portrait of Adele Bloch for $88 million

In 2006, Oprah Winfrey purchased the painting "Portrait of Adele Bloch" for $88 million. At the time, this painting was ranked fourth among the most expensive paintings ever sold. Winfrey purchased the painting at the Christie's New York Auction in November 2006.

The "Portrait of Adele Bloch", also known as "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I", was completed by Gustav Klimt between 1903 and 1907. The painting was commissioned by Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer, a Jewish banker, and sugar producer. It is a stunning work of art, featuring intricate gold leaf and showcasing Klimt's signature style, merging symbolism with decorative elegance. Klimt's use of gold leaf and intricate patterns makes this painting a celebrated piece in the realm of early 20th-century art.

Prior to Winfrey's purchase, the painting had a notable history. It was stolen by the Nazis in 1941 and displayed at the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere. In June 2006, cosmetics magnate Ronald Lauder purchased the painting for $135 million, setting a record price for a painting at the time.

Winfrey loaned the painting to the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2014. The painting was then sold for $150 million to a Chinese buyer in 2016 and displayed at the Neue Galerie New York for an exhibition titled "Klimt and the Women of Vienna’s Golden Age, 1900–1918.".

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Dora Maar au Chat by Pablo Picasso sold for $95.2 million

In 2006, the art world witnessed another significant sale with the auction of "Dora Maar au Chat" by the renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The painting fetched a staggering $95.2 million at Sotheby's in New York, solidifying its place as one of the most expensive artworks sold that year. This sale further emphasized the enduring demand for Picasso's works and the continued appreciation of his artistic legacy.

"Dora Maar au Chat" is a captivating portrait created by Picasso in 1941. The subject of the painting is Dora Maar, a French photographer, artist, and one of Picasso's muses and romantic partners. The title of the painting translates to "Dora Maar with Cat," reflecting the presence of a small cat perched on Maar's shoulders. This work is an excellent example of Picasso's unique style, blending elements of cubism and surrealism.

The painting depicts Maar in a seated position, with her hands clasped in her lap, and her gaze directed towards the viewer. The composition is characterized by angular shapes and fragmented perspectives, showcasing Picasso's mastery of form and his ability to convey a sense of depth and emotion. The use of a muted color palette, with shades of blue, gray, and ochre, adds to the overall mood and intensity of the portrait.

The sale of "Dora Maar au Chat" for $95.2 million not only highlighted the enduring appeal of Picasso's art but also contributed to the growing recognition of the importance of female subjects in his work. Dora Maar, an accomplished artist in her own right, had a significant influence on Picasso's creative output during their relationship. This particular painting is a testament to their complex and inspiring relationship, offering a glimpse into the emotional depth and intimacy they shared.

The auction of "Dora Maar au Chat" attracted worldwide attention and sparked discussions about the value and appreciation of art. The buyer of the painting remains anonymous, adding an air of mystery to the already intriguing story behind this remarkable work of art. The sale further emphasized the exclusive nature of the high-end art market and the select group of individuals capable of acquiring such valuable masterpieces.

With the sale of "Dora Maar au Chat" for $95.2 million, Picasso's works continue to set benchmarks and influence the art market. This particular sale in 2006 stood as a testament to the enduring fascination with his art, ensuring that his legacy remains firmly in the spotlight, inspiring and captivating audiences for generations to come.

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Ronald Lauder purchased Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I for $135 million

Ronald Lauder, a cosmetics magnate, purchased the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I for $135 million in June 2006. This sale broke the previous record for the highest price ever paid for a painting. The painting was then put on display in Manhattan's Neue Galerie.

The portrait was painted by Gustav Klimt between 1903 and 1907 and is considered a masterpiece of early 20th-century art. It is a stunning work of art that showcases Klimt's signature style, merging symbolism with decorative elegance and intricate gold leaf details. Klimt's use of gold leaf and intricate patterns is a highlight of the piece, reflecting his early life as a gold engraver's son.

The painting was commissioned by Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer, a Jewish banker and sugar producer, and it is the second of two portraits Klimt created of his wife, Adele Bloch-Bauer. It took Klimt three years to complete the portrait, which measures 54 x 54 inches and is executed in oil, silver, and gold on canvas.

The sale of the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I was brokered by Christie's and marked a significant moment in the art world, highlighting the immense value placed on exceptional works of art. This particular sale also drew attention due to the previous ownership of the painting, as it had been stolen by the Nazis in 1941 and displayed at the Österreichische Galerie Belvedere.

Frequently asked questions

Jackson Pollock's "No. 5" was sold for USD 140 million in 2006, making it the most expensive painting sold that year.

The buyer of Jackson Pollock's "No. 5" was rumoured to be Mexican billionaire David Martinez. However, Martinez's representatives denied that he owned the painting.

The seller of Jackson Pollock's "No. 5" was record mogul David Geffen.

Yes, there were several other notable sales of paintings in 2006, including:

- Roy Lichtenstein's "Nurse" ($95.2 million)

- Dora Maar au Chat by Picasso ($91.9 million)

- An unknown painting sold by Maria Altmann for $87.9 million

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