5 Most Expensive Artworks Ever Sold

Art has a unique power to capture emotions, tell stories, and reflect the history of our culture. Over the years, many artworks have fetched astonishing prices at auctions, highlighting their immense value and significance. 

Here are the most expensive artworks ever sold, along with the fascinating tales behind them and the brilliant minds who created them.

Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci – $450.3 Million

The crown jewel of the art world, Salvator Mundi, is a painting attributed to the legendary Leonardo da Vinci. Completed around 1500, this artwork depicts Jesus Christ holding a crystal orb, symbolizing his role as the “Savior of the World.” On November 15, 2017, it shattered records by selling for an astounding $450.3 million at a Christie’s auction in New York.

The journey of Salvator Mundi is as dramatic as its price tag. Art dealers Robert Simon and Alex Parish discovered the painting in a New Orleans auction in 2005, not realizing its potential connection to da Vinci. 

When they acquired it, the painting was in poor condition, heavily overpainted, and damaged by woodworms. They enlisted the help of art restorer Dianne Modestini, who carefully cleaned and restored it. As the restoration progressed, they grew convinced that it was indeed a lost work by Leonardo.

The painting gained even more attention when it was showcased at a 2011 exhibition at London’s National Gallery. However, its authenticity remains a topic of heated debate, making Salvator Mundi one of the most controversial artworks of the century.

Interchange by Willem de Kooning – $300 Million

Next on our list is Interchange, a striking abstract expressionist painting created by Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning in 1955. Originally sold for a mere $4,000, this masterpiece was acquired by hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin in 2015 for a jaw-dropping $300 million, making it the most expensive painting at the time.

Interchange showcases de Kooning’s dynamic brushwork and bold colors, capturing the essence of mid-20th-century art. It was previously displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago but has since moved to private ownership. This painting now holds the title of the second most expensive artwork ever sold, just behind Salvator Mundi.

The Card Players by Paul Cézanne – $250-300 Million

The Card Players is a series of paintings created by French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne in the early 1890s. The series consists of five versions, each differing in size and the number of players depicted. 

One of these versions was sold to the Royal Family of Qatar in 2011 for approximately $250 million, which is roughly equivalent to $338.6 million today, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a painting at that time.

Cézanne’s work is renowned for its innovative approach to form and color, making significant contributions to modern art. His ability to capture the essence of everyday life, such as a simple game of cards, adds a layer of relatability to these masterpieces, which is part of their immense value.

Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) by Paul Gauguin – $210 Million

Created in 1892, Nafea Faa Ipoipo, or When Will You Marry?, is an oil painting by French artist Paul Gauguin. For nearly five decades, this vibrant artwork was on loan at the Kunstmuseum in Basel, Switzerland, before being sold in February 2015. 

The family of Rudolf Staechelin sold it privately to Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani for around $210 million (£155 million).

Gauguin’s work often explored themes of Polynesian life and culture, using bold colors and expressive forms. The sale of this painting not only reflects its artistic significance but also showcases Gauguin’s lasting impact on the art world.

Number 17A by Jackson Pollock – $200 Million

Rounding out our list is Number 17A, an iconic abstract expressionist painting by American artist Jackson Pollock, completed in 1948. Known for his revolutionary drip painting technique, Pollock splashed paint onto a flat surface, creating a mesmerizing web of colors and patterns.

In September 2015, hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin purchased Number 17A from David Geffen for $200 million, making it a significant entry in the world of high-value art. Pollock’s work gained widespread fame when it was featured in the August 1949 issue of Life magazine, helping to solidify his status as a key figure in modern art.