BY MARK ANDERSON

When it comes to the world of art, certain paintings command staggering prices that represent the pinnacle of human spending power. These masterpieces are highly cherished by investors, collectors, and art lovers alike. The top five most expensive artworks ever sold are a testament to the enduring value of art. Ranging from the masterful brushstrokes of Leonardo da Vinci to the bold color fields of Mark Rothko, these works hold more capital than some banks.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the most expensive artworks ever sold, examining the artists, the works, and the prices they fetched at auction or private sale. Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply an art enthusiast, read on to discover the most valuable paintings in history.

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“No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)” by Mark Rothko | $186 Million

In 2014, Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev bought Rothko’s “No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red)” from the Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier for an astounding $186 million. While this record-breaking sale brought significant media attention, it also entangled the artwork in the notorious Bouvier Affair.

Nevertheless, this masterpiece, along with de Kooning’s work, is widely regarded as an essential example of abstract expressionism. The painting’s stunning composition, which features three large rectangles of color, is credited for its remarkable sale price. Currently, it is believed to be in the private collection of Kenneth Griffin, a hedge fund magnate, known for his high-value art acquisitions.

Mark Rothko’s artistic vision centered on color as the primary means of conveying emotions. His goal was to create paintings that would elicit a sense of transcendence and spiritual wonder in the viewer. This painting showcases three prominent rectangles of color: a deep violet at the top, a bright green in the middle, and a rich red at the bottom.

The thick, layered brushstrokes of these colors produce a sense of depth and motion. The absence of clear boundaries between the rectangles creates the impression that the colors are blending and fusing together, further enhancing the work’s ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere.

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“When Will You Marry?” by Paul Gauguin | $210 Million

Painted by the renowned French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin in 1892, this artwork holds esteemed recognition as one of the artist’s most significant pieces, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of his mature style. Following its display at the Kunstmuseum in Basel, Switzerland for nearly half a century, Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar acquired the piece from the family of Rudolf Staechelin through a private sale in February 2015, fetching an impressive sum of close to US$210 million, thereby solidifying its position among the most expensive artworks ever sold. Currently, it resides in a private collection.

The painting portrays a young Tahitian girl seated on the ground, holding a flower in her hand. She is adorned in traditional Tahitian attire, and her face is adorned with a flower lei. Behind her is a lush tropical landscape with palm trees and a vivid blue sky. The girl’s gaze is averted to the side, evoking a feeling of introspection and detachment.

Gauguin’s fascination with Tahitian culture and its people is evident in this work, as he saw the island as an Edenic paradise, free from the perils of modernization and industrialization. “When Will You Marry?” reflects this perception, presenting Tahiti as a place of natural beauty and simplicity.

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“The Card Players” by Paul Cézanne | $250 Million

“Card Players” is a series of paintings created by the French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne between 1890 and 1895. These artworks depict groups of men playing cards and are considered some of Cézanne’s most important works. The painting which sold for $250 million is called “The Card Players” and was created by the artist between 1892-93.

This artwork is considered one of the most significant paintings of the Post-Impressionist movement and is known for its bold colors and thick brushstrokes. This version was sold to the Royal Family of Qatar in 2011 by the Greek shipping tycoon, George Embiricos, and is one of the most expensive paintings ever sold. Other versions of “The Card Players” are held in the Musée d’Orsay, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Courtauld Gallery, as well as in private collections.

The “Card Players” series is notable for reflecting Cézanne’s interest in capturing the everyday life of rural Provence. The men featured in these paintings are peasant farmers, and their relaxed and natural poses reflect the simplicity and authenticity of rural life. The men appear in varying poses and expressions, with some lost in thought, while others look directly at the viewer. The composition is meticulously balanced, with the men and the table occupying the majority of the painting’s space.

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“Interchange” by Willem de Kooning | $300 Million

Originally sold by the artist himself in 1955 for a mere $4,000, the painting underwent a meteoric rise in value over the decades, reflective of de Kooning’s enduring influence as one of the 20th century’s preeminent artists. In September 2015, “Interchange” shattered records when the David Geffen Foundation sold it to Kenneth C. Griffin for a staggering $300 million, catapulting this masterpiece to the apex of the art world’s most expensive paintings.

Its imposing size and captivating composition undoubtedly contributed to its allure among collectors. While it once graced the halls of the Art Institute of Chicago on loan, by 2024, its whereabouts had shifted, leaving admirers wondering about its next public appearance.

The artwork depicts a human figure in a highly abstracted form. The figure is rendered in broad, gestural brushstrokes that capture the play of light and shadow. The figure’s face is only suggested, and the body is fragmented, with different parts appearing to be in various stages of movement.

De Kooning’s use of abstraction in “Interchange” is a significant aspect of the painting’s importance, as it allowed him to create a sense of movement and energy. The artwork is also notable because it marked a shift in de Kooning’s work towards a more figurative style. Prior to “Interchange,” de Kooning was primarily known for his abstract expressionist work. However, with this painting, he began incorporating more recognizable figures into his pieces, which would become a defining feature of his style.

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“Salvator Mundi” by Leonardo da Vinci | $450 Million

The artwork known as “Salvator Mundi,” translating to “Savior of the World” in Latin, is traditionally attributed to the Italian Renaissance maestro Leonardo da Vinci, believed to have been crafted between approximately 1499 and 1510. Initially presumed to be a mere copy obscured by subsequent layers of paint, the painting underwent a process of rediscovery and restoration, culminating in its inclusion in a significant exhibition of Leonardo’s oeuvre at the National Gallery in London during 2011–2012.

In 2017, “Salvator Mundi” was sold at Christie’s for $450.3 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold. This sale generated much attention and debate, questioning the painting’s importance and value. Christie’s asserted shortly after that a majority of esteemed scholars regard the piece as an authentic creation by Leonardo, although this attribution has faced opposition from other notable experts. Some suggest his involvement may have been partial, while others contend that the extensive damage complicates definitive authorship determination.

Though purportedly acquired on behalf of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, subsequent revelations indicated that the buyer may have acted as a proxy for Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Since its acquisition, the painting has remained out of public view, reportedly housed in storage in Saudi Arabia since late 2020, pending the completion of a museum and cultural complex in Al-‘Ula.

Portraying Jesus Christ in Renaissance attire of vivid blue hue, the painting captures him gesturing with his right hand in the symbol of the cross, while cradling a clear, undistorted orb in his left, symbolizing his role as the “Savior of the World” and emblematic of the celestial realm. One of the most striking aspects of “Salvator Mundi” is the level of realism and detail that Leonardo achieved.

The face of Christ is portrayed with a serene expression, and the eyes are particularly striking, with a gaze that seems to follow the viewer around the room. The artwork also features intricate details in the folds of the robes, the beads of the necklace, and the hair, all executed with great skill and precision. This masterpiece is also significant because it is one of fewer than 20 surviving paintings that can be attributed to Leonardo. Additionally, around thirty copies of the “Salvator Mundi” composition by Leonardo’s pupils and followers have been cataloged.

These extraordinary paintings are true world treasures, highly prized not only for their immense monetary value, but also for their profound historical and cultural significance. Having survived the test of time, these masterpieces are widely regarded as among the most outstanding examples of their respective art movements, exemplifying the very highest standards of artistic excellence and innovation. Through their mastery of color, composition, and technique, these works invite us to contemplate the beauty and complexity of the world around us, sparking our imaginations and enriching our lives with their sublime beauty and profound insights.

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