- Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci: This is the current world record holder, selling for over $450 million. It depicts Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world and is a masterpiece of the Renaissance.
- Interchange by Willem de Kooning: This abstract expressionist work sold for close to $300 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at auction.
- Pablo Picasso's The Women of Algiers: This cubist masterpiece sold for more than $179 million, setting a new record at the time.
Other Major Contenders:
- The Card Players by Paul Cézanne: A classic of post-impressionism that has reached astronomical prices at various auctions.
- Nafea faa ipoipo? by Paul Gauguin: This enigmatic painting has changed hands several times, always for million-dollar sums.
- Jackson Pollock's Number 17A: A masterpiece of abstract expressionism that has broken records on multiple occasions.
- Rembrandt's The Standard Bearer: A majestic portrait that has been the object of desire of many collectors.
- Shot Sage Blue Marilyn by Andy Warhol: A pop art icon that has achieved record figures at recent auctions.
Why are they so expensive?
Several factors influence the value of a painting:
- Artist: Works by renowned masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso and Van Gogh have intrinsic value.
- Rarity: Unique works or those with a particular history are more valuable.
- State of conservation: Well-preserved paintings without significant restorations are more coveted.
- Size: Large format works are usually more expensive.
- History: Works with a rich and documented history have greater appeal.
- Demand: Demand from collectors and the art market in general directly influences price.