The world of expensive works of art is comprised of more than just sculptures, gold artifacts and elaborate jewelry. In fact, some of the most sought after and expensive pieces ever purchased have been paintings. From ancient masters to modern surrealists, the value of these various masterworks has captivated art lovers for centuries and continues to do so today. This article will take a closer look at some of the world’s most expensive paintings ever sold, and the fascinating stories behind them.
The Contenders
- The Card Players – Paul Cezanne – $250 Million: The most expensive painting in the world (as of 2020) is Paul Cezanne’s The Card Players. The painting is an oil on canvas work completed between 1890 – 1895 and was purchased by the Royal Family of Qatar in 2012 for a whopping $250 million. The painting depicts three elderly men playing a game at a table, and is part of a series of numerous such paintings that Cezanne completed while living near the French city of Aix-en-Provence.
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Interchange – Willem de Kooning – $300 Million:
Interchange is another one of the world’s most expensive works of art. This painting, an oil on canvas, was completed in 1955 by abstract expressionist Willem de Kooning. Interchange was sold to an unnamed collector for a staggering $300 million in 2015, making it the most expensive painting ever sold at the time. -
Salvator Mundi – Leonardo da Vinci – $450 Million:
Painted in a period of relative obscurity, Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi played an important role in reigniting global interest in the works of the Italian master. Completed between 1505 and 1510 and completely rediscovered in 2011, the painting depicts Jesus Christ giving a benediction with right hand raised, and a glass sphere in his left. In 2017, the painting was sold to a Saudi Prince for an incredible $450 million, making it the world’s current most expensive piece of art.
Factors That Impact Price
As explained by the Spectator, the factors that make a painting more or less expensive depend on a number of considerations, such as:
•The Artist – First and foremost, the artist is an important factor when considering the cost of a work of art. Paintings created by iconic masters, such as Leonardo da Vinci, are usually valued far higher than those by lesser-known painters.
•Condition – The condition a work of art is in has a major impact on its price. Pieces that are close to the original in terms of materials, preservation, period and authenticity will be worth more than those with signs of wear and tear.
•Rarity – As with any commodity, the true value of a piece increases if it is rare. Only one copy of Cezanne’s The Card Players exists, and only a handful of Da Vinci’s works remain in existence to this day, making them more highly sought after and expensive.
•Public Interest – Lastly, the public interest in a painting can also play an important role in its value. Some artworks become celebrities in their own right, and the demand for pieces like these often leads to higher prices.
Highlights From Recent Auction Sellings
In addition to the pieces mentioned earlier and their private buyers, there have also been numerous record-breaking paintings sold in public auctions. Here are just a few of the highlights from recent sales:
•The Scream – Edvard Munch, 1893 – Sold for $119.9 million.
•Woman III – Willem de Kooning, 1953 – Sold for $137.5 million.
•No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) – Mark Rothko – Sold for $186 million.
•Number 17A – Jackson Pollock, 1948 – Sold for $200 million.
Prominent Private Collectors
The majority of the world’s most expensive works of art are the property of private collectors, people who have the financial means to purchase masterspiece paintings for their personal use. Prominent collectors such as Roman Abramovich, Steve Cohen, David Geffen, Axl Rose and Steven A. Cohen have been linked to some of the most expensive art purchases in history.
Exploring Art’s Meanings
The authors of the book How To Read Paintings note that one of the most alluring features of buying a painting is the special relationship between the properties of the piece, its author and its viewers/buyers. Art criticism, which seeks to explore the meanings of a work, can offer a more poignant and intimate perspective on a painting.
The various meanings embedded in works of art can range from spiritual, political, social and even existential themes. In many cases, the meanings stated by the artist are the same as those perceived by the public, making paintings and the reactions to them some of the most powerful forms of self-expression.
Art remains one of the most sought-after commodities by collectors all over the world, and the prices paid for some of the most renowned works in history serve as a testament to the lasting impressions they can create in viewers. From Cezanne’s The Card Players to Pollock’s Number 17A, these works serve as emblems of human creativity and ingenuity, and remain some of the most beloved pieces of art of all time.
