Most Expensive Paintings – World’s 25 Costliest Paintings (2023)

Most Expensive Paintings - World's 25 Costliest Paintings!

Something that has always fascinated society’s elites is the fine arts.

Everyone has their own favorite painting, artist, or art period that rules over all others.

People are obsessed with collecting art.

Do you wonder about owning the Mona Lisa?

Who doesn’t, right?

But Leonardo’s Mona Lisa painting is a priceless masterpiece that can never be on sale.

There are many famous artworks whose worth will blow your mind.

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Their prices will make you wonder, why is such an art so costly?

I welcome you to the blog that has covered the top 25 most expensive paintings in the world.

These 25 artworks are listed according to the ranking of their sale.

Without any further ado, let’s jump into the expensive artworks with astronomical prices.

25 World’s Most Expensive Paintings

What makes art so costly?

The answer is simple—it’s one of a kind!

A painting gets reproduced but never has the same feeling that the artist left in the original piece.

Their art style, the artist’s unusual thoughts, their uncanny appearance, and many more things make the art valuable.

Sit back and get ready to uncover the expensive arts whose prices will definitely leave you stunned!

Salvator Mundi

Salvator Mundi painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistLeonardo da Vinci
Created In1500
Price Paid for Art$475 million
Current Worth (2023)$537.6 million
SellerDmitry Rybolovlev
BuyerBadr bin Abdullah Al Saud
Auction HouseChristie’s, New York
Currently HousedThe Louvre, Abu Dhabi

There are many renowned paintings by Leonardo da Vinci. Salvator Mundi being the most recognized expensive painting throughout his entire life.

Why is Salvator Mundi among the most expensive paintings?

The reason that Salvator Mundi is the most valuable painting can contribute a few answers:

  • The painting depicts Christ in Renaissance style.
  • This painting was the last work by Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Including Salvator Mundi, there are 20 paintings by Leonardo that are known.
  • Christ in art is seen as the savior of the world, which makes it remarkable.
  • The artwork was bidded within 19 minutes during the auction, which was the highest price during that period.

For many years, the painting was considered to be a copy of a lost Vinci painting by another painter.

It was later restored in 2006 and became noticeable in the eyes of the public.

Interesting fact: Salvator Mundi is the most famous Jesus painting, but many scholars were doubtful that it was truly painted by Vinci.

The National Gallery in London housed the art for five years.

Are you curious to know more about this famous artwork? Read Salvator Mundi, which will reveal many unknown facts about the painting.

Interchange

Interchange painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistWillem de Kooning
Created In1955
Price Paid for Art$300 million
Current Worth (2023)$370 million
SellerDavid Geffen Foundation
BuyerKenneth C. Griffin
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedNorton Museum of Art, Florida

Interchange by Kooning is known as an abstraction of art.

Why is Interchange among the most expensive paintings?

The reasons could be:

  • Known for painting women, Kooning shifted to abstract art, which gained popularity.
  • The painting is believed to be a transformative work by Kooning.
  • The depiction of reclining woman in an abstract form makes it remarkable.
  • It is considered America’s first modern art.

Franz Kline convinced Kooning to abandon the violent brush stroke and move towards gestural movements.

If you can locate the large pink mass in the center, it serves as the painting’s focal point.

The Card Players

The Card Players painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistPaul Cezanne
Created In1892
Price Paid for Art$250 million
Current Worth (2023)$325 million
SellerGeorge Embiricos
BuyerState of Qatar
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedThe Musee d’Orsay, Paris (5th Version)

The Card Players that depict the lives of local peasants have five versions.

Why is The Card Players among the most expensive paintings?

  • A series where the only difference is in the number of men shown in each painting raises many questions, making it astounding.
  • The subject is one of the most detailed studies by Paul Cezanne.
  • The belief that Paul created this art after being inspired by his housekeepers makes it more intriguing.

The price that you see in the above table is the cost of one version. Now calculate how much the total would be for all five paintings.

You can’t even imagine!

Nafea Faa Ipoipo?

Nafea Faa Ipoipo? painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistPaul Gauguin
Created In1892
Price Paid for Art$210 million
Current Worth (2023)$259 million
SellerRudolf Staechelin heirs
BuyerState of Qatar
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedPrivate collection

“Nafea Faa Ipoipo?” (When will you marry?) depicts two women sitting in landscape view. 

Why is Nafea Faa Ipoipo? among the most expensive paintings?

  • The artwork was first purchased for $300 million in 2015.
  • It was recognized along with Kooning‘s Interchange painting, which makes it stand out among costly artwork.
  • Later, it was revoked because the painting was sold for less than $90 million.

Do you know how Paul Gauguin got inspired to paint this art?

In 1891, he went on his first trip to Tahiti. There, his life-long affair with the island and the females took place.

This inspired him to paint the art in a Post-Impressionist style.

Number 17A

Number 17A painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistJackson Pollock
Created In1948
Price Paid for Art$200 million
Current Worth (2023)$247 million
SellerDavid Geffen Foundation
BuyerKenneth C. Griffin
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedGriffen’s private homes

Although all the paintings by Jackson Pollock are masterpieces, Number 17A has something different to share.

Why is Number 17A among the most expensive paintings?

  • The painting was a breakthrough after it was featured in the August 1949 edition of Life magazine.
  • The dripping technique of oil on fiberboard was a wonderful shot by Pollock.
  • The thoughts and ideas Pollock shared about the art captivated viewers.

The art was created one year after the dripping method became public.

Water Serpents II

Water Serpents II painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistGustav Klimt
Created In1904-1907
Price Paid for Art$183.8 million
Current Worth (2023)$230.9 million
SellerYves Bouvier
BuyerDmitry Rybolovlev
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedThe Belvedere Museum

This blog without a Gustav Klimt painting is impossible.

Arts that depict pleasure with gold spread all over have to be the world’s most expensive paintings.

Why is Water Serpents II among the most expensive paintings?

  • Klimt’s sensual depiction of females and relationships between the same people makes it erotic.
  • The art was seized by Nazi forces during World War II.
  • The subject shown made it among the most controversial artworks during that period, which broke the record sale.
  • It was produced after the first version on the same subject—Water Serpets I.

This piece is the world’s costliest painting, created by Gustav.

No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red)

No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red) painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistMark Rothko
Created In1951
Price Paid for Art$186 million
Current Worth (2023)$230 million
SellerYves Bouvier
BuyerDmitry Rybolovlev
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedThe Belvedere Museum

Do you know about the history of painting?

It informs you about how painting was invented and brought into existence.

But some paintings create history with the perspective that is presented in front of the viewers.

Mark Rothko created a new meaning in this world of art with his No. 6.

Why is No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red) among the most expensive paintings?

  • The use of colors in the painting represents the artist’s late life, which makes it one-of-a-kind.
  • It made its way to the list of the top seven art pieces to be sold in painting history.
  • The color bands that are divided by uneven shades drive the viewer’s attention with many questions in mind.

Dmitry Rybolovlev, a Russian billionaire, purchased the artwork.

An artist who illuminates different thoughts through his art can surely look wonderful on your walls.

Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit

Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistRembrandt van Rijn
Created In1634
Price Paid for Art$197 million
Current Worth (2023)$222 million
SellerÉric de Rothschild
BuyerRijksmuseum and Louvre
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedThe Louvre Museum

Do you know who Rembrandt was?

A Baroque genius who produced art through the dark phases of his life.

His life is a mystery, and his paintings had a huge impact on the art world.

Why are Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit among the most expensive paintings?

  • As both art pieces were created to commemorate the couple’s wedding, they were always displayed as a pair, which makes them unique.
  • When the painting went on sale, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and Louvre Museum jointly decided to purchase this masterpiece, which enhanced the interest of the viewers.
  • The interesting part that makes it most expensive art is that it cannot be displayed separately.

This beautiful art is now on display among the paintings in Louvre Museum.

An art form that has engrossing stories to share can be witnessed in Rembrandt’s paintings.

But with Rembrandt replica paintings, you can now own his works and hang them on your walls.

Les Femmes d’Alger (“Version O”)

Les Femmes d’Alger (“Version O”) painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistPablo Picasso
Created In1955
Price Paid for Art$179.4 million
Current Worth (2023)$221.4 million
SellerPrivate Collection
BuyerHamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani
Auction HouseChristie’s, New York
Currently HousedPrivate collection of Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Doha, Qatar

Is there anyone who is not aware of the great artist Pablo Picasso? I guess none!

His name was enough to sell the paintings at the most valuable price.

But among all his works, Les Femmes d’Alger is the costliest painting in the world.

Again, a question:

Why is Les Femmes d’Alger (“Version O”) among the most expensive paintings?

  • Before Leonardo’s Salvator Mundi became the most expensive painting in the world, this artwork was sold for the highest price.
  • Picasso painted at least 15 versions before Version ‘O’ took place.
  • The art was influenced by The Women of Algiers in their Apartment (1834).
  • Due to the different variations of the painting, it creates an impact on the audience about why Picasso developed his art in so many versions.

Sally and Victor Ganz originally bought the entire series of paintings.

Later, Saidenberg Gallery purchased ten of the couple’s paintings.

Don’t you have a desire to see Picasso’s work mounted on your walls?

I’m sure you do!

Check out our Pablo Picasso replica painting and own one of his kind at an affordable price.

The Standard Bearer

The Standard Bearer painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistRembrandt vin Rijin
Created In1636
Price Paid for Art$198 million
Current Worth (2023)$213.8 million
SellerRothschild family
BuyerRijksmuseum
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedThe Gallery of Honor, Rijksmuseum

Several painters created self-portraits, but none like Rembrandt!

There are 80 self-portraits that can be counted among the paintings by Rembrandt.

The Standard Bearer is one of them.

Why is The Standard Bearer among the most expensive paintings?

  • It was the first painting by Rembrandt after he was established as an independent artist.
  • The work was said to be his last major work to enter a public museum from private collections.
  • This self-portrait was sold among the top 10 most costly paintings at auction.
  • The painting was completed during Rembrandt’s relocation from Leiden to Amsterdam, which makes it an important early work.

Today, this masterpiece is recognized as a national treasure in France and was on tour in 2023 in various museums.

Shot Sage Blue Marilyn 

Shot Sage Blue Marilyn painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistAndy Warhol
Created In1964
Price Paid for Art$195 million
Current Worth (2023)$195 million
SellerThomas and Doris Ammann
BuyerLarry Gagosian
Auction HouseChristie’s, New York
Currently HousedThe Metropolitan Museum of Art

Shot Sage Blue Marilyn is one of the most renowned pop artworks of all time.

Andy Warhol produced a series of silkscreen paintings and named them Marilyn after the classical beauty of the Hollywood actress.

You must be wondering about the title of the painting, right?

Well, it has a very interesting story to share.

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Dorothy Podber, a performance artist, visited a silver-clad studio.

After asking permission to ‘shoot’ Warhol’s work, the artist shot between the eyes of the print with a revolver.

After this incident, the art was addressed as “The Shot Marilyns.”

Why is Shot Sage Blue Marilyn among the most expensive paintings?

  • The bold use of colors and asthetic pop imagery made it popular among the pop arts.
  • The art was also known as the Mona Lisa of the 21st century.
  • It was countlessly reproduced during that period.

An American dealer, Larry Gagosian, purchased this expensive painting, but it was not revealed whether the art was for himself or someone else.

Nu Couché

Nu Couché painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistAmedeo Modigliani
Created In1917
Price Paid for Art$170.4 million
Current Worth (2023)$210.4 million
SellerLaura Mattioli Rossi
BuyerLiu Yiqian
Auction HouseChristie’s, New York
Currently HousedPrivate Collection

Nu Couche, or “Reclining Nude,” is considered to be the most expensive piece of art ever sold.

The painting depicts a naked woman sleeping on a dark red backdrop.

Now the question:

Why is Nu Couché among the most expensive paintings?

  • The painting was one of the few nudes that gained popularity during that period.
  • The public reaction after the first exhibition was too sensuous, which made it appealing.
  • Scandals were spreading over the depiction of nakedness, which often results in the rise of prices.

Lui Yiqian, the owner, was once a taxi driver who rose to prominence by creating private museums in Shanghai.

No. 5

No. 5 painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistJackson Pollock
Created In1948
Price Paid for Art$140 million
Current Worth (2023)$203.2 million
SellerDavid Geffen
BuyerDavid Martinez
Auction HousePrivate sale via Sotheby’s
Currently HousedPrivate Collection, New York

What is the most valuable painting in the world? A Jackson Pollock work!

Why is No. 5 among the most expensive paintings?

  • Pollock created this painting with liquid colors, which makes it unique.
  • Later, when examined closely, the painting reveals that it was made of white, brown, yellow, and gray paint, which was associated with “dense bird’s nest.”
  • The layers portrayed in this painting capture the viewer’s attention.

Pollock always used numbers as the title of his paintings. Do you know why?

He has a belief that numbers are unbiased and objective. They don’t draw your attention, letting the viewer focus on the art.

Pollock and his ways were amazing!

Woman III

Woman III painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistWillem de Kooning
Created In1953
Price Paid for Art$137.5 million
Current Worth (2023)$199.6 million
SellerDavid Geffen
BuyerSteven A. Cohen
Auction HousePrivate sale via Larry Gagosian
Currently HousedPrivate Collection

This artwork by Kooning was an abstract expressionist painting.

Why is Woman III among the most expensive paintings?

  • It was the final work of Kooning’s Woman series.
  • It is one of the six paintings in the Woman Series, giving a unique identity.
  • The art was restricted by the government in 1979 due to the visuals it depicts.
  • It was also regarded as the most crucial postwar artwork that is not housed in museums, making it rarest painting in the world.

Mr. Steven A. Cohen purchased the painting from an entertainment magnate.

Masterpiece

Masterpiece painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistRoy Lichtenstein
Created In1962
Price Paid for Art$165 million
Current Worth (2023)$197 million
SellerAgnes Gund
BuyerSteven A. Cohen
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedPrivate Collection

Masterpiece is a pop art piece that has Lichtenstein’s signature and narrative material wrapped around it.

Why is Masterpiece among the most expensive paintings?

  • The parody that pop art reveals captivates viewers.
  • The name Brad was heroic for Lichtenstein and was chosen for its simplicity, which grabs the attention of the audience.
  • The image is an inspiration from a comic book panel where the two subjects were placed exactly.
  • The art is considered a tongue-in-cheek joke that is “witty and yet eerily prescient,” as some of the artists foreshadowed.

Steven A. Cohen paid one of the 15 highest prices for the painting.

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistGustav Klimt
Created In1907
Price Paid for Art$135 million
Current Worth (2023)$196 million
SellerMaria Altmann
BuyerRonald Lauder, Neue Galerie
Auction HousePrivate sale via Christie’s
Currently HousedNeue Galerie New York, Private collection

You see the gorgeous lady covered in gold in the art, it is a portrayal of a husband’s love for his wife.

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Jewish financier Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer commissioned this artwork for his beloved wife.

Why is The Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I among the most expensive paintings?

  • The painting was a historical witness to Jewish patronage during the golden era.
  • The artwork is the final work of Gustav Klimt’s Golden Period, which makes it rare.
  • The gold work all over the art contributes to the fact that it was one of the most expensive pieces of art ever sold.

You can read about the painting through Adele Bloch-Bauer I which will reveal the lady portrayed in gold.

Le Rêve

Le Rêve painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistPablo Picasso
Created In1932
Price Paid for Art$155 million
Current Worth (2023)$194.7 million
SellerSteve Wynn
BuyerSteven A. Cohen
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedPrivate collection of Steven Cohen

Le Reve (Dream Painting) by Pablo Picasso is an oil on canvas that shows Picasso’s mistress, Marie-Thérèse Walter.

Why is The Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I among the most expensive paintings?

  • The art shows Picasso’s mistress, who was just 22 years old when Picasso was in his 50’s.
  • This painting was completed in a single afternoon, which makes it remarkable.
  • Art became known among critics for its sexual content.
  • The turnedup face of the subject showed an erected penis, which was believed to be representation of his own.

A painting that has a glimpse of Picasso’s penis—wow—take all the money!

Portrait of Dr. Gachet

Portrait of Dr. Gachet painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistVincent Van Gogh
Created In1890
Price Paid for Art$155 million
Current Worth (2023)$194.7 million
SellerSiegfried Kramarsky heirs
BuyerRyoei Saito
Auction HouseChristie’s, New York
Currently HousedMusée d’Orsay in Paris

If we say most expensive art pieces, then the Portrait of Dr. Gachet has to be on the list.

Van Gogh’s art shows Dr. Paul Gachet, who was a homeopathic physician and artist with whom he shared a residence, in a facility in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Why is The Portrait of Dr. Gachet among the most expensive paintings?

  • The art shows Gachet, who cared for Van Gogh during his last days.
  • In 1890, two versions were created, both in Auvers-Sur-Oise.
  • In 1911, the Stadel in Frankfurt bought the original painting, which was later seized and sold by Hermann Goring.
  • It vanished in 2019 with no trace of location.

In 1990, it was sold to Ryoei Saito for $82.5 million ($184.8 million today).

The second version belonged to Gachet and was later handed out to France by his heirs.

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistGustav Klimt
Created In1912
Price Paid for Art$150 million
Current Worth (2023)$182.9 million
SellerOprah Winfrey
BuyerUnidentified buyer in China
Auction HousePrivate sale via Larry Gagosian
Currently HousedPrivate Collection

Gustav Klimt was an artist who was known for depicting uncomfortable female figures.

Adele Bloch-Bauer was the only female whose portrait Gustav painted twice.

In 2006, Oprah Winfrey bought the artwork for $88 million, making it the fourth most expensive art piece.

Why is The Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II among the most expensive paintings?

  • Just like Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, this artwork also depicts the significance of Jewish patronage.
  • The painting was loaned to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, making the work widely known to the public.
  • In 2016, Oprah Winfrey sold it to a Chinese bidder for $150 million.
  • Later, both versions were stolen by Nazis.

Gustav Klimt’s paintings are full of mysteries, which contributes to their being the most expensive paintings in the world.

Who doesn’t want a golden depiction on their walls? With Gustav Klimt’s replica paintings, it is now super easy to get his originals.

Three Studies of Lucian Freud

Three Studies of Lucian Freud painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistFrancis Bacon
Created In1969
Price Paid for Art$142.4 million
Current Worth (2023)$178.9 million
SellerFrancesco De Simone Niquesa
BuyerElaine Wynn, ex-wife of Steve Wynn
Auction HouseChristie’s, New York
Currently HousedPrivate Collection

Three Studies of Lucian Freud is a triptych that shows Lucian Freud as a British painter.

Why are Three Studies of Lucian Freud among the most expensive paintings?

  • Each painting was sold for more than $50 million, which made the pieces hit a milestone.
  • Freud and Fancis Bacon were artistic rivals as well as friends who painted each other often.
  • The art depicts Freud in three different ways that make each piece unique.

Do you know where the Three Studies of Lucian Freud are?

The right panel belongs to the Israel Museum; the central panel is in the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art; and the left panel is in a private collection that is anonymous.

Bal Du Moulin De La Galette

Bal Du Moulin De La Galette painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistPierre-Auguste Renoir
Created In1876
Price Paid for Art$154 million
Current Worth (2023)$174.9 million
SellerBetsey Whitney
BuyerRyoei Saito
Auction HouseSotheby’s, New York
Currently HousedThe Musée d’Orsay in Paris

Bal Du Moulin De La Galette (Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette) is an impressionist artwork.

Why is Bal Du Moulin De La Galette among the most expensive paintings?

  • It became the classic Impressionist work that depicts everyday life.
  • The working-class in late 19th century would dress up and spend the entire evening dancing, drinking, and eating, which was common during that period.
  • The distinctive style and monumental scale give a different view to the audience.
  • It has a rich, fluid bursh stroke that impart a royalty in the painting.
  • In 1990, John Way’s widow sold the painting to Ryoei Saito (Sait Ryei), making it the most expensive painting of all time.

Although it is uncertain, the artwork was thought to be in ownership of Swiss Collector.

Twelve Landscape Screens

Twelve Landscape Screens painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistQi Baishi
Created In1925
Price Paid for Art$140.8 million
Current Worth (2023)$168.1 million
Seller
Buyer
Auction HouseBeijing Poly Auction
Currently HousedThe Three Gorges Museum

Qi Baishi’s Twelve Landscape Screens have only left two known in existence.

The current lot was produced in 1925, when Qi Baishi was 62 years old, as a birthday present for a Beijing doctor named Chen Zilin.

Why is Twelve Landscape Screens among the most expensive paintings?

  • It was the most widely explained landscape painting around the world.
  • The belief was that the art was a portrayal of the artist’s travels around China.
  • Each landscape was unique as it depicted different areas.
  • It also depicts the painter’s interest in landscapes and his eagerness to learn about the country.

Each screen is 180 x 47 cm with it’s breathtaking locations.

The sale earned Qi’s reputation as the first Chinese artist to have an expensive art sold at auction.

Garçon à la Pipe

Garçon à la Pipe painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistPablo Picasso
Created In1905
Price Paid for Art$104.2 million
Current Worth (2023)$161.4 million
SellerGreentree Foundation (Whitney family)
BuyerGuido Barilla (suspected)
Auction HouseSotheby’s, New York
Currently HousedMontmartre, Paris

Pablo Picasso’s paintings were easily recognized due to their style and technique.

When a person glances at this artwork, they will surely have a question about whether it is the real work of Picasso or not.

Well, it is real and is also known as the most valuable painting ever sold.

Why is Garçon à la Pipe among the most expensive paintings?

  • The art shows a boy named “P’tit Louis” who died at a young age, which made the art popular among the audience.
  • It is a work by a young Picasso that does not approach his style and is rare.
  • The painting shows the early exploration of Cubist principles.
  • The story behind the art made it one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

Interesting facts: It is believed that Sotheby’s doesn’t recognize the purchaser, but Guido was suspected as its buyer.

The Scream

The Scream painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistEdvard Munch
Created In1895
Price Paid for Art$119.9 million
Current Worth (2023)$152.9 million
SellerPetter Olsen
BuyerLeon Black
Auction HouseSotheby’s, New York
Currently HousedThe National Museum in Oslo

The Scream has a separate fan base when it comes to the famous scary paintings around the world.

Why is The Scream among the most expensive paintings?

  • The anguished face of human in the painting makes it famous among people.
  • When you look at the work, it gives off an unsettling feeling, which captivates viewers to stare at the art.
  • It is believed that the painting has four versions, of which the last is the most valuable due to its frame, which features a poem hand-written by Munch himself.
  • The art shows an unrealistic way of creating art through vibrant colors.
  • It is the darkest and most intense work that was ever made.

Leon Black, who bought the painting, bid via phone, which lasted over 12 minutes.

Interesting facts: In 1910, the art was stolen during daylight hours when masked gunmen broke into the Munch Museum. The museum was closed for 10 months.

Otahi

Otahi painting is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
Image: wikipedia
ArtistPaul Gauguin
Created In1893
Price Paid for Art$120 million
Current Worth (2023)$150.8 million
SellerYves Bouvier
BuyerDmitry Rybolovlev
Auction HousePrivate Sale
Currently HousedPrivate Collection

The subject is in a position that was considered taboo during that period of time.

Why is Otahi among the most expensive paintings?

  • It was believed that the character was in a sexual penetration posture, which made it controversial during that time.
  • The art was ahead of its time, which contributed to its fame among the people.
  • A pareo that is witnessed wrapped around the woman’s waist captivates viewers.

The art was part of a lawsuit filed by Dmitry Rybolovlev, Yves Bouvier, a Swiss art dealer, and the auction house Sotheby’s.

This was among the most expensive paintings and was sold at an odd price of $50 million, which resulted in a significant loss.

Lastly,

People mostly wonder how much the Mona Lisa is worth, even after knowing that it is a priceless piece that is most likely to never be sold.

We even examined the world’s expensive paintings, whose prices often left us in awe—$200 million for this piece?

It is natural to wonder what makes these artworks fall into the category of the most expensive paintings of all time.

The reasons, thoughts, subjects, and patterns that were never introduced or looked at in any way make them controversial.

Gaining fame gradually becomes priceless for the people.

When you came across such paintings, you surely wished to own such masterpieces, right?

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FAQs

What is the most expensive painting in the world?

The most expensive piece of art in the world is Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci, bought in 2017 for $450.3 Million

What is the most valuable painting?

The most valuable painting is said to be the Mona Lisa; it has the highest ever insurance value for a painting. On permanent display at the Louvre in Paris, the Mona Lisa was assessed at US$100 million on December 14, 1962.

Which is Jackson Pollock’s most expensive painting, and what is its price?

Jackson Pollock’s painting Number 17A is worth $200 Million, which also happens to be among his most expensive paintings.

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