6 most expensive paintings from around the world

Art has always held a special place in human culture, being a way to express feelings, share stories, and preserve traditions. However, art isn’t just about creativity and beauty—it’s also something people invest in as a status symbol. Some paintings go beyond being mere artwork and admiration, they turn into symbols of wealth and importance. People value these paintings not only for their beauty but also as investments and signs of high social standing. Here we list 6 most expensive paintings from around the world.

One of the most talked-about and expensive paintings ever sold is ‘Salvator Mundi’. This masterpiece, translating to ‘Savior of the World’, was rediscovered in the early 2000s and was auctioned for a staggering $450.3 million in 2017, making it the most expensive painting sold to date. The painting has also been part of controversy and debate as many feel that it isn’t completely da Vinci’s work.

(Image: Wikipedia)

‘Interchange’ by Willem de Kooning holds the record for the second most expensive painting sold, fetching $300 million in a private sale. The abstract expressionist masterpiece showcases de Kooning’s signature style, with energetic brushwork and a dynamic interplay of color and form. Its value is rooted in its abstraction, inviting interpretation and emotional resonance with the viewer.

(Image: Andrew Cho/Wikipedia)

‘The Card Players’ series by Paul Cézanne comprises five paintings, one of which was sold for a staggering $288 million in a private sale. These pieces are significant not only for their artistic excellence but also for their rarity and historical value. Cézanne’s post-impressionist approach and the portrayal of peasants engaged in card games captivate art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
(Image: Sotheby’s)

Paul Gauguin’s ‘Nafea Faa Ipoipo’ carries a price tag of around $210 million, solidifying its place among the most expensive paintings ever sold. The allure of this work lies in Gauguin’s unique style, inspired by his time in Tahiti. The vibrant colors and exotic subject matter make it an attractive asset for discerning collectors. Initially, it was stated that the Gauguin artwork was sold by Swiss entrepreneur Rudolf Staechelin to a buyer from Qatar for $300 million. However, in a lawsuit filed in 2017, it was revealed that the actual sale price was $210 million.
(Image: Wikipedia)

Jackson Pollock’s “Number 17A” is a pinnacle of abstract expressionism, featuring his characteristic ‘drip’ technique. The chaotic yet controlled composition of this painting fetched a jaw-dropping $200 million, underlining the fascination that abstract art holds for art aficionados and investors. Number 17A showcases a vibrant array of colors on a fiberboard canvas.

(Image: Thabiso_Dlamini/X)

Andy Warhol’s ‘Shot Sage Blue Marilyn’ made waves in the art world when it was sold for slightly over $195 million to American art dealer Larry Gagosian during Christie’s auction in 2022. Warhol employed a silk-screen technique using a cropped publicity photo from the film “Niagara” to create this painting. The series was named after an incident where performance artist Dorothy Podber visited Warhol’s studio and fired a gun at four of the paintings.

(Image: Christie’s)