Tag: Willem de Kooning

Top 5 Most Expensive Paintings Ever Sold

leonardo salvator mundi

When it comes to the world of art, some pieces command truly staggering prices. These works represent the pinnacle of human spending power, and are treasured by investors, collectors, and art lovers alike.

The top 5 most expensive artworks ever sold are a testament to the enduring value of art. 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. So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply an art enthusiast, read on to discover the most valuable artworks in history.

Takeaways from a Record-Breaking Early Auction Season

Collection sales dominated headlines of another record-breaking fall auction season, while the emerging market feels the pressure of economic worries.

With art market prices soaring as of late, recent blue-chip auctions were projected to reach significant high-flying, record-breaking heights. Not only did these lots deliver, but in some instances their price tags surpassed their monumental estimates. The highly anticipated Paul Allen collection, the personal assortment of paintings and sculptures owned by the late Microsoft co-founder, blew past the $1 billion estimated value, which already would’ve made his collection the most expensive ever sold.

While some say the results of the Phillips auction suggests a cooling of the market, works of personal collections, especially those hidden from public view for prolonged periods of time are doing exceedingly well.

Introducing The 5 Most Expensive Paintings Ever Sold

Card-Players-by-Paul-Cezanne

In 2021, the Old Masters category struck the art world yet again when a Sandro Botticelli portrait from the private collection of late real estate mogul Sheldon Solow sold at Sotheby’s in New York on January 28 for $92.2 million. In comparison to the others, this is a minuscule purchase. This is a list of the top 5 most expensive paintings ever sold from Old Masters sales.