The Most Expensive Artworks in the World

Art has always been a canvas for the human imagination, a realm where creativity intertwines with value in a way that transcends mere monetary figures. Within this realm lie works that fetch staggering prices, representing not just visual beauty but also cultural significance and historical resonance.

As the art market continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike, the allure of the most expensive artworks in the world remains a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the extraordinary prices these creations command.

Leonardo da Vinci, Salvator Mundi (c.1500)

What are the most expensive paintings in the world?

1. Leonardo da Vinci, Salvator Mundi: Sold for $450.3 million in 2017. This painting depicts Jesus Christ and is one of Leonardo da Vinci's few surviving works.

2. Willem de Kooning, Interchange: Sold for around $300 million in a private sale in 2015. This abstract expressionist masterpiece is renowned for its vibrant colours and energetic brushstrokes.

3. Paul Cézanne, The Card Players: One version of this series sold for an estimated $250–300 million in a private sale in 2011. These paintings depict Provencal peasants engaged in card games.

4. Paul Gauguin, Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?): Sold for around $210 million in a private sale in 2015. The painting features two Tahitian women and is emblematic of Gauguin's work during his time in Tahiti.

Jackson Pollock, Number 17A (1948)

5. Jackson Pollock, Number 17A: Sold for around $200 million in a private sale in 2015. This abstract expressionist piece is known for its characteristic drip painting style.

6. Mark Rothko. No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red): Sold for around $186 million in a private sale in 2014. This work is representative of Rothko's colour field paintings.

7. Gustav Klimt, Wasserschlangen II (Water Serpents II): Sold for around $183.8 million in a private sale in 2013. This painting is one of Klimt's renowned works from his 'Golden Phase.'

Gustav Klimt, Wasserschlangen II (1907)

8. Rembrandt, Pendant portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit: Sold for $180 million in a private sale in 2015. The portraits of Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit have never been separated since their creation.

9. Pablo Picasso, Les Femmes d'Alger ("Version O"): Sold for $179.4 million in 2015. Picasso's vibrant and colourful painting is part of his series paying homage to Delacroix's "Women of Algiers."

10. Amedeo Modigliani, Nu couché (Reclining Nude): Sold for around $170.4 million in 2015. Modigliani's sensuous and iconic nude depiction fetched a record price for his work.

Please note that art prices can fluctuate due to various factors, including the changing tastes of buyers, auction dynamics, and the scarcity or rarity of the artwork.

What are the most expensive prints in the world?

1. Pablo Picasso, The Women of Algiers (Version O): In 2015, this print became the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction, fetching over $160 million.

2. Edvard Munch, The Scream: Munch created several versions of The Scream. In 2012, a hand-coloured lithograph version from 1895 was sold for nearly $120 million.

3. Roy Lichtenstein, Nurse: Lichtenstein's pop art is highly valued, and his print Nurse sold for around $95 million in 2015.

Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images

4. Andy Warhol, Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster): Warhol's screen print, part of his Death and Disaster series, sold for over $100 million in 2013.

5. Vincent van Gogh, Portrait of Dr. Gachet: While not a print per se, the painting's print reproductions have been highly sought after. In 1990, a version of this painting was sold for about $82.5 million.

It's important to note that the art market is dynamic, and prices can change with each high-profile auction.