Art is an expansive world. Ranging from impressionism to abstraction, there is a range of styles and artists who demand high prices for their works.
1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci - $870 Million
Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, depicting an enigmatic woman with her mysterious smile, remains the world's most expensive painting and most beloved masterpiece of Western art. Since its inception it has stood as an emblem for beauty, power and mystery that remains an invaluable work of Western art history.
This fragile masterpiece underwent an extraordinary journey across time and obscurity before returning to prominence in 2017. Its record-setting sale illustrates its lasting appeal as well as the importance placed on religious iconography.
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2. Interchange by Willem De Kooning - $300 Million
This painting by de Kooning exemplifies his abstract expressionist style with its vigorous composition of slashing brush strokes created in 1955 - it remains one of his most beloved works to this day! It depicts what appears to be a figure holding paintbrushes and palettes against an ever-evolving background of swirling and moving colors.
De Kooning named this piece "Interchange," because it marked an evolution in his career; moving away from female figures towards abstract urban landscapes such as this painting's subject matter (including its pink mass representing a reclined woman). Today it belongs to hedge fund billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin's extensive art collection.
3. Salvator Mundi by Leonardo Da Vinci - $450 Million
Salvator Mundi, Leonardo da Vinci's most expensive painting ever sold at auction is an iconic masterpiece depicting Jesus Christ that stands the test of time and remains relevant today. It has had an interesting journey over its 365 year existence that includes being mistaken as a copy, extensive restoration efforts and controversy regarding its authenticity.
da Vinci was an extraordinary polymath prodigy from the High Renaissance period. A gifted painter, draftsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, and sculptor alike, his talents included painting hands as prominently featured in portraiture as his painting abilities were varied and vast. Mastery of sfumato allowed him to blend colors together seamlessly while his ability to depict hands was unparalleled;
Experts differ as to when this work was created; some believe it dates from 1490, while others suggest 1500 or later. Whatever its true date or source may be, it remains widely regarded as one of Leonardo da Vinci's greatest works.
4. Nafea Faa Ipoipo by Paul Gauguin - $300 Million
Paul Gauguin's Nafea Faa Ipoipo by 1892 stands as another masterpiece on the list of Most Expensive Art. Translating to "When Will You Marry?," this painting showcases Gauguin's fascination with Tahitian culture, exoticism, and his idea of an unspoiled paradise; while also including elements of primitive art such as flattering forms, vibrant colors, and distorted perspectives; precursors to Fauvism and Expressionism later on.
5. Number 17 A by Jackson Pollock - $200 Million
Jackson Pollock's masterpiece 17 A is one of his best known masterpieces and continues to dazzle art enthusiasts worldwide. It made history after it was sold for an astounding $200 million by hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin in 2015. Number 17 A features his signature drip technique and features vivid hues woven onto fiberboard canvas; also, this painting marked an important turning point for Pollock's career as it earned him four pages in Life magazine with its debut publication date being August 1949.
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6. Coca-Cola [3] by Andy Warhol - $57.3 Million
Andy Warhol is an iconic artist renowned for creating highly sought-after art works. Coca-Cola (3) by Andy Warhol was completed in 1962 as one of his hand painted black-and-white paintings, depicting Warhol's views on American consumerism and how everyone desires something similar. This painting also illustrates Warhol's insights on yearning as the basis for all forms of desire in society today.
