Art That Breaks Records: The 10 Most Expensive Paintings in the world

1. Salvator Mundi

Salvator Mundi, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, is a masterpiece that depicts Jesus Christ as the Savior of the World. The painting, characterized by its exquisite detailing and subtle lighting, features Christ holding a crystal orb and offering a benediction with his other hand. Thought to have been created around 1500, the artwork gained global attention when it resurfaced in the 21st century and was authenticated as a da Vinci original. In 2017, "Salvator Mundi" achieved unprecedented acclaim at auction, selling for a staggering $450.3 million, making it the most expensive painting ever sold at the time. Despite debates regarding its attribution and restoration, the painting stands as a testament to da Vinci's unparalleled artistic genius and continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide.

2. Interchange

Interchange, a masterpiece by Willem de Kooning, is a groundbreaking abstract expressionist painting that reflects the artist's innovative approach to form and color. Created in 1955, the artwork is characterized by its dynamic brushstrokes, bold colors, and intricate layering, showcasing de Kooning's distinctive style. The painting is part of a series that marks a pivotal moment in the artist's career as he transitioned from figuration to abstraction. In a private sale, "Interchange" was reported to have fetched a staggering $300 million, establishing it as one of the most expensive paintings ever sold. Beyond its monetary value, the artwork continues to be celebrated for its contribution to the evolution of abstract expressionism, cementing de Kooning's legacy as a trailblazer in the world of modern art.

3. Card Players

Paul Cézanne's "Card Players" series, painted in the early 1890s, stands as a testament to the artist's genius in capturing the human experience through art. The series, depicting peasants engrossed in card games, transcends mere representation, delving into the complexities of everyday life. Though specific auction prices for individual paintings in the series are not publicly available, the reported sale of "The Card Players" in 2011 for approximately $250 million underscored the immense value and significance attached to these works. Cézanne's ability to infuse ordinary scenes with profound depth has solidified the "Card Players" series as not only a cornerstone of his career but also as a revered collection in the annals of art history.

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

"Nafea Faa Ipoipo" (When Will You Marry?) is a masterpiece by Paul Gauguin, painted in 1892 during his stay in Tahiti. The artwork features two Tahitian women in vibrant traditional attire set against a lush tropical backdrop. Gauguin, known for his primitivist approach and vivid use of color, created this painting as part of his exploration of Tahitian culture and his pursuit of an idyllic, unspoiled paradise. The title itself alludes to the enigmatic narrative, inviting viewers to ponder the relationship between the figures and the broader cultural context. In 2015, the painting was sold in a private sale for close to $210 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold and highlighting the enduring fascination with Gauguin's exotic and emotive depictions of Tahitian life. 

5. Number 17A

Jackson Pollock's "Number 17A," created in 1948, stands as a pinnacle of abstract expressionism and holds a notable place in art history. This iconic piece is currently owned by hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin, who acquired it in September 2015 from David Geffen for a then record-breaking price of $200 million. The sale marked a historic transaction in the art world. Following its acquisition, the painting was lent to the Art Institute of Chicago, enriching the cultural landscape of the city. As of September 2022, "Number 17A" maintains its prestigious status, ranked 5th on the list of the most expensive paintings, attesting to both its artistic significance and the enduring allure of Pollock's groundbreaking contributions to modern art.

6. No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)

Mark Rothko's "No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)," painted in 1951, is a masterpiece that exemplifies the artist's profound exploration of color and emotion within the abstract expressionist movement. With its large, immersive fields of vibrant violet, green, and red, the artwork elicits a contemplative experience, inviting viewers into the realm of Rothko's emotional intensity. In a landmark auction in 2014, this iconic painting was sold for a staggering $186 million, underscoring the enduring value and significance of Rothko's contribution to the world of abstract art. The record-breaking sale solidified "No. 6" as not only a visual marvel but also one of the most expensive paintings ever sold, highlighting its cultural and monetary significance in the art market.

7. Nu Couché

Amedeo Modigliani's "Nu Couché," painted in 1917-1918, is a timeless masterpiece that showcases the artist's distinctive style and exploration of the female form. The sensuous reclining nude figure in the painting exudes a captivating elegance and elongation characteristic of Modigliani's work. In a private sale, the painting was reportedly sold for $170.4 million in 2015, making it one of the most expensive artworks ever sold at that time. "Nu Couché" remains a symbol of artistic innovation, challenging conventions of its era, and its significant market value underscores the enduring appeal of Modigliani's iconic contributions to the world of art.

8. Les Femmes d'Alger

"Pablo Picasso's "Les Femmes d'Alger" is a masterful series of 15 paintings created between 1954 and 1955 as a tribute to the 19th-century painter Eugène Delacroix. The series is a dynamic fusion of Cubism and Orientalist influences, featuring vivid colors and intricate geometric forms. In 2015, one of the paintings from this series, "Version O," set a new record as the most expensive painting ever sold at auction, fetching $160 million. The series as a whole represents Picasso's unparalleled ability to reinvent artistic traditions, and its remarkable market value underscores the enduring allure of Picasso's groundbreaking contributions to modern art."

9. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II

"Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II" is a captivating masterpiece painted by Gustav Klimt in 1912. The portrait is a part of the artist's renowned Golden Phase and is characterized by intricate patterns, gold leaf, and symbolism. The subject, Adele Bloch-Bauer, was a prominent figure in Vienna's intellectual and artistic circles. In 2006, the painting was sold in a private sale for $150.6 million, marking one of the highest prices ever paid for a work of art at that time. Klimt's "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II" continues to be celebrated for its exquisite aesthetics, the symbolism within the art nouveau movement, and its significant place in the art market as a symbol of fin-de-siècle Vienna.

10. Water Lilies series

Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" series is a seminal collection of paintings created by the Impressionist master between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Inspired by his water garden at Giverny, Monet's series captures the ever-changing play of light, color, and reflections on the surface of the water. Comprising numerous individual paintings, the "Water Lilies" series represents a pivotal moment in Monet's career, where he moved away from traditional representation and delved into the realm of pure abstraction. While various pieces from the series have been sold over the years, one notable sale occurred in 2008 when a "Water Lilies" painting was auctioned for $80.4 million. Monet's "Water Lilies" remains an enduring symbol of the artist's fascination with nature and his innovative approach to capturing its ephemeral beauty.