Art is about more than just beauty; it’s about passion, value, and history. Collectors have paid astounding sums of money over the years for artworks that exemplify the highest level of human inventiveness.
Some of these works of art are worth more than a high-end private jet; in fact, some could purchase entire fleets!
These are five of the priciest artworks ever sold, along with their intriguing backstories.
- Salvator Mundi — Leonardo da Vinci ($450.3 Million)
Leonardo da Vinci painted this magnificent image of Christ holding a crystal orb more than 500 years ago; it is known as the “Male Mona Lisa.”
It became the most expensive painting ever sold when it sold at Christie’s auction in 2017 for a record-breaking $450.3 million.
The purchaser? reportedly Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince. The location of the art is still unknown!
- Interchange — Willem de Kooning ($300 Million)
Willem de Kooning, an abstract expressionist, created Interchange in 1955. It is a whirlwind of color, emotion, and turmoil.
It was purchased for $300 million by billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin in 2015, demonstrating that contemporary art can be just as valuable as the classics.
- The Card Players — Paul Cézanne ($250 Million)
Despite its very basic appearance, this serene painting from the 1890s of two men playing cards is among the most significant pieces in art history.
The Royal Family of Qatar paid an incredible $250 million for it, demonstrating how serious some collectors are about making art investments.
- Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) — Paul Gauguin ($210 Million)
Paul Gauguin’s masterwork, which depicts two Tahitian women and reflects his passion with Polynesian culture, was painted in 1892.
One of the most precious pieces of art in the world, it was reportedly sold to a buyer from Qatar in 2015 for over $210 million.
- Number 17A — Jackson Pollock ($200 Million)
Pollock revolutionized modern art with his trademark “drip painting” technique.
This chaotic yet captivating work was purchased for $200 million by Kenneth C. Griffin in 2016.
Concluding Remarks
Art is more than just paint on a canvas; it’s a reflection of a time period, emotion, and history.
Even though the majority of us are only able to view these works of art from a distance, they serve as a reminder of how powerful creativity can be—strong enough to be worth more than a private jet.