Top 10 Most Expensive Paintings
Any guesses on which painting blew minds with its $144 million price tag?
In today’s art world, collectors are boldly venturing into uncharted territories, embracing the thrill of discovery whether hidden in the depths of an antique shop or showcased in a cutting-edge gallery.
They’re seeking out unexpected treasures that speak to their souls, sparking a sense of awe and fascination. But the burning question remains: How much are they willing to wager for a masterpiece?
For some passionate collectors, there are no limits when it comes to acquiring exceptional art. Every year, auction houses and exclusive galleries bear witness to jaw-dropping transactions, with prices soaring to unprecedented heights for revered works by Old Masters, celebrated 20th-century icons, and visionary emerging artists pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Let’s delve into the realm of extravagance and explore the most awe-inspiring masterpieces ever sold. Discover the groundbreaking Andy Warhol creation that shattered records at Christie’s and delve into the riveting controversies surrounding the world’s most valuable painting, unfolding right before your eyes.
1. “Reclining Woman”, Egon Schiele (1916)
Price Paid For Painting: US$1.96 million
In 2013, this captivating artwork fetched a staggering $1.96 million, marking it as the priciest online painting sale to date. The watercolor masterpiece depicts a semi-nude woman in a reclined position, showcasing the artist’s signature blend of sensuality and impressionism.
This exquisite piece found its new owner through an electronic auction hosted on Auctionata, boasting exceptional results. Despite nearly a century since its creation, the portrait boldly confronts its viewers, reflecting the artist’s unabashed exploration of the human form.
Egon Schiele’s artistry has surged in popularity, celebrated for its raw intensity and daring subject matter. His unique portrayal of the human body, characterized by fluid lines, bold colors, and casual poses, has earned him widespread acclaim.
If you’ve ever encountered Schiele’s work, you’ll understand its irresistible allure; his paintings demand your attention, captivating you with their depth andemotion. While many of his masterpieces grace the halls of Vienna’s Leopold Museum, some have commanded prices exceeding $40 million on the market.
Schiele’s fearless approach to artistry, often featuring himself as a model, remains as compelling today as it was during his time. His paintings exude soul, passion, and a profound vitality, transcending societal norms and continuing to challenge contemporary sensibilities.
2. The Blue Rigi: Lake of Lucerne, Sunrise, Joseph Mallord William Turner (1842)
Price Paid For Painting: US$9.9 million
Joseph Mallord William Turner is hailed as a watercolor virtuoso, renowned for his meticulous technique and masterful depiction of landscapes bathed in color and light. His artistry transcends time, immortalizing both the artist and his captivating works.
It comes as no surprise, then, that one of Turner’s most celebrated pieces commanded a staggering $9.9 million at a Christie’s auction, setting a new record for the most expensive watercolor ever sold in Great Britain.
Painted in 1842, “The Blue Rigi: Lake of Lucerne, Sunrise” adorns a 297 x 450 mm paper canvas, capturing the ethereal beauty of Lake Lucerne at daybreak. The painting seamlessly blends the distant hill, softened by a gentle haze, with the tranquil waters below, delicately reflecting the surrounding flora and rocks. It’s a scene that emanates serenity and tranquility.
Given the artist’s esteemed reputation, anticipation for the auction was palpable. Of course, not all of us can fathom participating in such a prestigious event — after all, the price tag alone is enough to make anyone chuckle nervously!
3. Harvest in Provence”, Vincent Van Gogh (1888)
Price Paid For Painting: US$14.6 millions
The story of “Harvest in Provence” may seem tied to the fame of its creator, but it’s paradoxical considering Vincent van Gogh’s struggle to sell his art during his lifetime.
Auctioned in 1997, this masterpiece found a new home with an anonymous bidder who placed their bid over the phone. The painting captures the essence of a summer afternoon in Provence, with vibrant yellows, mustards, and browns dominating the scene of harvested cornfields.
Above, the canvas is adorned with a deep blue sky, depicting the subtle movements of leaves swaying in the breeze amidst drifting clouds and the shimmering heat of summer.
Van Gogh, one of my personal favorites, was profoundly misunderstood in his time. He didn’t merely paint what he saw, but rather how he perceived and felt the world around him. His distinctive style, characterized by a blend of delicate and bold brushstrokes, emphasized solid colors juxtaposed with subtle variations, with watercolor often employed, particularly in outdoor settings.
The auction price of “Harvest in Provence” pales in comparison to Van Gogh’s record-setting sale of “Portrait of Dr. Gachet” in May 1990, which fetched a staggering $82.5 million at Christie’s.
4. Still Life with Green Melon”, Paul Cézanne (1906)
Price Paid For Painting: US$25.5 million
“Still Life with Green Melon,” a captivating watercolor completed in 1906, stands as one of the crowning achievements of French Impressionist master Paul Cézanne.
Its esteemed status is reflected in its record-breaking sale price of $25.5 million in 2007, during a Sotheby’s auction of Impressionist and Modern Art. Surpassing Sotheby’s maximum estimate of $18 million, the piece was acquired by an anonymous bidder, further elevating its allure.
For those unacquainted with Cézanne’s oeuvre, this still life serves as a captivating introduction to his world of intersecting lines and harmonious colors. His technique is characterized by precise, controlled brushstrokes and delicate hues delicately applied to the paper’s surface.
As a master of Impressionism, Cézanne adeptly manipulates light and shadow, relying solely on the white of the paper and the richness of his pigments to create depth and dimension.
The remarkable outcome of this auction underscores a growing trend among collectors, who increasingly appreciate the diverse range of artistic mediums, including watercolors once considered less valuable. As demonstrated, they are willing to invest substantial sums to acquire these prized works of art.
5. Cultivation on the Peaceful land, Xu Beihong (1951)
Price Paid For Painting: US$36.7 million
Xu Beihong, a prominent Chinese painter from the early 20th century, created the exquisite watercolor “Cultivation on the Peaceful Land,” which sold for $36.7 million at Poly International in Beijing in 2012. Known for his mastery in classical Chinese painting and calligraphy, Beihong’s career was marked by international exhibitions and prestigious roles, including president of the Central Academy of Fine Arts.
“Cultivation on the Peaceful Land” depicts three farmers working with a beast of burden under a commanding tree, adorned with elegant Chinese calligraphy. This piece, completed two years before Beihong’s death, captures the timeless beauty of classical Chinese art and evokes a nostalgic yearning for the simplicity of rural life.
6. Eagle Standing on Pine Tree with Four-character Couplet in Seal Script”
Prive Paid For Painting: US$57.2 million
Qi Baishi, born in 1864, began with the detailed Gongbi technique but later embraced the freehand Xieyi style, combining poetry, calligraphy, and painting. His renowned work, “Eagle Standing on Pine Tree with Four-character Couplet in Seal Script,” exemplifies this style. Xieyi captures the spiritual essence of subjects, evoking tranquility and fascination. Baishi’s nature-themed artworks offer universal appeal and a serene, immersive experience.
7. Baishi’s series
Price Paid For Paintng: US$ 144 million
At the pinnacle of our ranking of the most expensive watercolors, we find Qi Baishi once again reigning supreme. In a historic auction held in Beijing in 2017, a series of twelve landscapes by Baishi fetched an astounding $144 million, officially becoming the most expensive Chinese artwork ever sold.
The bidding war began with a modest base price of $68 million but soared to double that amount, courtesy of an anonymous buyer who placed their bid over the phone.
Become the most prized artwork in all of China. Most expensive paintings sold ever
8. Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci
Price Paid for Painting: $450 million
In 2017, Salvator Mundi sold for over $450 million to an anonymous buyer believed to be a Saudi prince, sparking controversy over its attribution to Leonardo da Vinci due to stylistic inconsistencies and doubts regarding its authenticity.
Currently owned by the Saudi Arabian culture ministry, the painting continues to be scrutinized by scholars.
9. Interchange by Willem de Kooning
Price Paid for Painting: $300 million
Willem de Kooning’s “Interchange” encapsulates his evolution from figurative to abstract expressionism, featuring a reclining woman amidst vibrant urban imagery.
Purchased by Kenneth C. Griffin for $300 million in 2015, it stands as a testament to de Kooning’s lasting influence on the art world.
10. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne
Price Paid for Painting: $250 million
Paul Cézanne’s tranquil depiction of laborers playing cards, a departure from his usual dramatic style, was acquired by the royal family of Qatar for $250 million in 2011, underscoring the enduring appeal of his work.
11. Nafea Faa Ipoipo? by Paul Gauguin
Price Paid for Painting: $210 million
Paul Gauguin’s “Nafea Faa Ipoipo?” depicts a Tahitian woman adorned with a white flower, symbolizing readiness for marriage, with her mother by her side. Initially reported to be sold for $300 million, a 2017 lawsuit unveiled its actual sale at $210 million, reflecting its enduring allure despite the discrepancy.
12. Number 17A by Jackson Pollockguin
Price Paid for Painting: $200 million
Jackson Pollock’s groundbreaking “Number 17A” showcases his iconic “drip” technique, capturing emotion through dynamic movement and vivid colors.
Acquired by billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin in 2015 for $200 million, it epitomizes Pollock’s lasting influence in abstract expressionism.
13. The Standard-Bearer by Rembrandt
Price Paid for Painting: $198 million
Rembrandt’s vivid self-portrait “The Standard-Bearer” transitioned from King George IV to the Rothschild family before being purchased by the Dutch government for €175 million in 2022, now showcased in museums across the Netherlands.
14. Shot Sage Blue Marilyn by Andy Warhol
Price Paid for Painting: $195 million
Andy Warhol’s “Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” sold for over $195 million at Christie’s in 2022 to American art dealer Larry Gagosian.
The painting, part of a series, features a cropped photo from the film Niagra and gained its name after an incident involving performance artist Dorothy Podber.
15. №6 (Violet, Green and Red) by Mark Rothko
Price Paid for Painting: $186 million
Mark Rothko’s “№6,” finished in 1951, showcases his signature style with violet and red expanses divided by a green band, blending seamlessly at the edges.
Privately sold in 2014 for an unprecedented $186 million, it set a new record for the artist.
16. Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit by Rembrandt van Rijn
Price Paid for Painting: $180 million
Rembrandt’s 1634 wedding portraits of Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit, kept together since creation, were sold to the Louvre and the Rijksmuseum via Christie’s, ensuring their perpetual display in alternating exhibitions.
17. Water Serpents II by Gustav Klimt
Price Paid for Painting: $170 million
Water Serpents II, completed in 1907, depicts the female form sensually; confiscated during WWII from Jewish collector Jenny Steiner by Nazis, it resurfaced at Sotheby’s in 2015, eventually sold for $170 million in 2017 and now showcased at the Van Gogh Museum.
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