Unbelievable Facts about the Most Expensive Painting Ever Sold

Welcome, art enthusiasts! Today, we’re researching the mesmerizing world of high-priced masterpieces. Buckle up as we explore the stories behind 15 of the most expensive painting ever sold, each piece a marvel of creativity and history. Prepare to be amazed by their staggering prices, unique features, and intriguing details!

15 Most Expensive Painting Ever Sold

1. Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci

This painting was sold for a staggering $450.3 million in 2017. This masterpiece, depicting Christ as the Savior of the World, is believed to be the last da Vinci painting in private hands. Leonardo spent approximately 2-3 years creating this extraordinary work. The buyer, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud, acquired it after a period of intense debate over its authenticity. 

Interesting Tidbit: The painting’s true origins were contested for years before the sale.

2. Interchange by Willem de Kooning

It fetched $300 million in 2015. The art is known for its vibrant abstract expressionism. This piece was painted over several months in 1955. Its bold colors and dynamic forms are quintessential de Kooning, and it now resides in the collection of Kenneth C. Griffin. 

Fascinating Fact: It was previously owned by the Chicago-based art collector, Frederick R. Koch.

3. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne

Paul Cézanne’s The Card Players holds the third spot, having sold for $250 million in 2011. This Post-Impressionist gem is believed to have been painted around 1892-1893. Part of a series depicting card players showcases Cézanne’s innovative approach to composition and color. It took him about six months to complete this rural scene. The Royal Family of Qatar acquired it, adding it to their impressive collection. Remarkably, this painting was virtually forgotten until its rediscovery in 2014.

Interesting Fact: Cézanne created five versions of this painting, each offering slightly different perspectives on the same subject.

4. Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) by Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin’s Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) is another stunning work that sold for $210 million in 2015. Created in 1892, it took Gauguin around a year to paint this vibrant piece that reflects his fascination with Polynesian culture. The painting was purchased by Qatar Museums, and it was a rediscovered gem, having been lost for decades before its sale.

Unknown Fact: The painting was rediscovered in 2014 after being lost for decades.

5. Number 17A by Jackson Pollock

Number 17A by Jackson Pollock, a masterpiece of abstract expressionism, sold for $200 million in 2016. Painted in 1951, Pollock’s drip technique is on full display in this vibrant piece. Kenneth C. Griffin acquired it, adding to his renowned art collection. Pollock’s revolutionary approach to painting left a lasting impact on modern art, and this piece is a prime example of his innovative methods.

Interesting Fact: Pollock’s drip painting technique was revolutionary, influencing the course of modern art.

6. No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) by Mark Rothko

This piece was sold for $186 million in 2014. This 1951 painting is a striking example of Rothko’s color-field technique. Dmitry Rybolovlev purchased it, adding to his impressive collection. Rothko’s deep philosophical approach to color and form is exemplified in this work, making it a significant piece in his oeuvre.

Fascinating Fact: This artwork is characterized by large blocks of color that evoke a sense of awe and contemplation.

7. Pendant Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit by Rembrandt

These masterpieces of 17th-century Dutch portraiture were sold for $180 million in 2016. Painted in 1634, these portraits took a few months to complete and are notable for their size and intricate detail, capturing the grandeur of Dutch aristocracy. Purchased jointly by the Rijksmuseum and the Louvre, these paintings depict Maerten Soolmans and his wife, Oopjen Coppit, in lavish attire, showcasing their wealth and status. 

Amazing Truth: They were the first full-length paintings by Rembrandt to be sold together, emphasizing their importance as a pair. 

8. Le Rêve by Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso sold the painting for $179.4 million in 2013. This painting, part of a series inspired by earlier artists, depicts women in an Algerian harem. The painting features Picasso’s lover and muse, Marie-Thérèse Walter, in a dreamlike state. Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani purchased it, intrigued by its abstract portrayal of women.  Picasso’s fascination with the Orient is evident in this vibrant work.

Remarkable Fact: The painting was previously damaged when Cohen’s wife accidentally put her elbow through it.

9. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt

Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” is renowned for its opulent use of gold leaf, contributing to its $150 million sale price in 2006. Painted in 1907, it took Klimt about a year to complete this opulent portrait of a wealthy Viennese woman. Ronald Lauder acquired the painting. 

Intriguing Fact: The painting was stolen by the Nazis during World War II and returned to the Bloch-Bauer family.

10. Three Studies of Lucian Freud by Francis Bacon

Bacon’s triptych sold the painting for $142.4 million in 2013. He started this painting in 1969 and took more than six months to complete it. The painting consists of three panels, each depicting a portrait of Bacon’s close friend and fellow artist, Lucian Freud. The work is renowned for its raw, emotional intensity and Bacon’s distinctive brushwork. The work is celebrated for its intense psychological depth and Bacon’s distinctive style. The painting was acquired by the renowned art collector and the co-founder of Wynn Resorts, Elaine Wynn

Captivating Tidbits: The painting was separated for several years before being reunited and sold as a single piece at auction.

11. Woman III by Willem de Kooning

Willem de Kooning’s Woman III, another entry on this list, was sold for $137.5 million in 2006. Part of de Kooning’s famous “Women” series, which started in 1953, took him several months to paint this abstract depiction of a female figure. The painting was acquired by Steven A. Cohen. The raw, emotive power of de Kooning’s work is evident in this piece.

Unknown Fact: The painting’s previous owner was the notorious collector, Eli Broad.

12. The Scream by Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch sold his iconic masterpiece for $119.9 million in 2012 to a private collector. He started it in 1893 and spent around three months to complete it. The painting is an iconic representation of existential angst and has been reproduced in various forms. Leon Black is the current owner of this piece.

Engaging Insight: Munch created several versions of “The Scream” in different media, including painting and print.

13. Leonardo da Vinci’s The Madonna of the Rocks

The Madonna of the Rocks is estimated to be worth $103.3 million. Vinci started the painting in 1483 and took almost 20 years to complete it. The painting is celebrated for its exquisite use of chiaroscuro (the contrast of light and shadow) and atmospheric perspective, creating a highly realistic and three-dimensional effect. It portrays the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, an infant John the Baptist, and an angel in a rocky setting. The painting exists in two versions; one is in the Louvre Museum in Paris, and the other is in the National Gallery in London. 

Compelling Fact: Leonardo was initially commissioned to paint it as part of an altarpiece for a chapel in Milan. However, disagreements over payment led to Leonardo retaining the painting, resulting in the creation of a second version. 

14. Vincent van Gogh’s The Last Supper

It is estimated to be worth $100 million, though it has never been sold. This monumental painting depicts Christ’s final meal with his disciples. It was completed over three years from 1495-1498. It remains housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan. The painting’s composition is said to reflect the structure of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” showcasing Vincent van Gogh‘s unique interpretation and emotional intensity. 

Noteworthy Fact: There is an ongoing debate among art historians about whether van Gogh intentionally painted this piece with “The Last Supper” in mind or if the similarities are coincidental.

15. Portrait of Dr. Gachet by Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh sold this painting for $82.5 million in 1990, depicting the physician who cared for Van Gogh during his last years. Starting to paint in 1890, Van Gogh completed this piece in about a month, capturing his admiration for his doctor. The painting was purchased by Ryoei Saito, and it was once owned by the Bloch-Bauer family.

Enigmatic Fact: The painting’s sale was controversial due to its high price and the buyer’s mysterious background.

Each of these famous paintings tells a captivating story, from their creation to their extraordinary sale prices. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or a casual admirer, this list of the most expensive paintings ever sold offers a glimpse into the world of high-stakes art dealing and the timeless allure of extraordinary works.

FAQ :

1. Who owns the most valuable painting in the World?
The world’s most valuable painting, “Salvator Mundi” by Leonardo da Vinci, is reportedly owned by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It was bought for $450.3 million in 2017.

2. How much would the Mona Lisa sell for?
Estimating the value of the Mona Lisa is challenging, but experts believe it could sell for over $1 billion if ever put on the market. Its unparalleled cultural and historical significance boosts its worth.

3. What painting sold for $500 million?
“Interchange” by Willem de Kooning is one of the most expensive paintings, selling for around $300 million in 2015. No painting has officially sold for $500 million yet.

4. What is the #1 most famous painting in the World?
The #1 most famous painting in the world is Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” Housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, it is renowned for its enigmatic smile and has captivated viewers for centuries.

5. Who is the No 1 painter in the world now?
Determining the No. 1 painter in the world today is subjective, but artists like Gerhard Richter, Banksy, and Yayoi Kusama are highly acclaimed and influential in the contemporary art scene.