Five Most Expensive Paintings Ever Sold

The Most Expensive Artworks Ever Sold: A Top 5 List

5.”Number 17A” by Jackson Pollock
Sold for $200 million in 2016

This abstract expressionist painting by Jackson Pollock is considered one of his most recognizable works. It was created during his “drip period,” characterized by seemingly random dripped and splattered paint, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Pollock’s brushstrokes are precise and intentional. The painting is owned by hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin.

4.”Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?)” by Paul Gauguin
Sold for $210 million in 2014 at private sale

This painting was created in 1892 by the French post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It depicts a young Tahitian girl and is considered one of Gauguin’s most important works. He was deeply interested in the culture and people of Tahiti, and this painting presents a vision of Tahiti as a place of natural beauty and simplicity. It is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

3. “The Card Players” by Paul Cézanne Sold for $250 million in 2011

This painting is part of a series of artworks created by Cézanne between 1890 and 1895. It depicts a group of men playing cards and is considered one of the most significant paintings of the Post-Impressionist movement. It was sold to the Royal Family of Qatar in 2011 by the Greek shipping tycoon, George Embiricos.

2. “Interchange” by Willem de Kooning Sold for $300 million in 2015

This painting is considered one of the most iconic works of the abstract expressionist movement. It was created by Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning in 1955 and is known for its bold colors and thick brushstrokes. The painting’s title, Interchange, refers to the depiction of a figure and a landscape, that blend together in a single image.

1. “Salvator Mundi” by Leonardo da Vinci
Sold for $450.3 million in 2017

This painting is considered to be one of the artist’s most important works. It depicts Jesus Christ and is believed to have been painted in the early 16th century. It is the most expensive painting ever sold at auction or private sale. The painting, which had been lost for centuries, was restored and authenticated as a work by Leonardo before being sold. This painting’s history is quite complex, it had changed hands multiple times and had been attributed to different artists before being confirmed as a da Vinci painting.