Which Pieces of Art Have Sold for the Highest Amount of Money?
Monday, May 15th, 2023
Whether through a private sale or an auction house, art connoisseurs worldwide love adding famous paintings to their collections. The prices of expensive art depend on multiple factors, such as who painted it, when they painted it, and its subject matter. When considering the pieces of art that have sold for the highest amount of money, the examples in this list top out in the hundreds of millions, proving that art remains a popular investment.
Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci
- Painted 1499-1510
- Sold for $450.3 million in 2017
While originally rumored as a reproduction, this painting by Leonardo da Vinci proved real after thorough inspection by experienced art historians, though some still doubt its authenticity. In a record-breaking sale for the auction giant Christie’s New York, Salvator Mundi was sold to Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.
Interchange by Willem de Kooning
By Andrew Cho – I took this photo at the Art Institute of Chicago, Fair use, Link
- Painted 1955
- Sold for $300 million in 2015
The most expensive painting by a contemporary artist, Interchange by Willem de Kooning depicts the core ideas of abstract expressionism. In addition, its value comes from its well-known history of who owned it and when making it easy to trace and validate.
The Card Players by Paul Cézanne
- Painted 1894-95
- Sold for $250 million in 2011
With dramatic shadows and highlights, this expensive painting by Paul Cézanne shows two card players intently studying their hands. Purchased by the royal family of Qatar, the piece now belongs to a regal collector.
When Will You Marry? by Paul Gauguin
- Painted 1892
- Sold for $210 million in 2015
Another iconic piece now residing in Qatar, When Will You Marry? shows two native Tahitian women, one in traditional dress and one in a mission dress. The painting captures viewers’ attention with its bright colors and deep meaning.
Number 17A by Jackson Pollock
- Painted 1948
- Sold for $200 million in 2015
Jackson Pollock changed the meaning of art with his abstract paintings. Number 17A was sold to the same collector as de Kooning’s Interchange, clearly a buyer with a deep appreciation of abstract expressionism.
20 (Yellow Expanse) by Mark Rothko
- Painted 1953
- Sold for $200 million in 2014
Painted on an enormous canvas measuring nearly 10 feet tall by 15 feet wide, this sunshiny piece made its mark on a private collector. Besides taking up an incredible amount of wall space, tracing the painting’s history makes it easy to ensure its legitimacy as a Rothko original.
Shot Sage Blue Marilyn by Andy Warhol
- Painted 1964
- Sold for $195 million in 2022
Nearly everyone knows Andy Warhol’s famous pop artworks, including this fabulously expensive painting of Marilyn Monroe. Also produced in other colors, this vivid piece takes a special place as the most expensive artwork among Warhol’s “Marilyn” series.
Buy and Sell Art at Auctions With High Plains Auctioneers
Whether you want to find expensive art or believe you have a piece worth selling, call High Plains Auctioneers at (806) 244-6776 to learn more about upcoming auctions in Dalhart, TX.