10 most expensive works of art

Find out which are the most expensive works of art in history and learn how much they sold for. 

Very important for the history of humanity, works of art accompany civilization since its inception. As much as they are considered cultural heritage, the arts market has become a symbol of status, ostentation and a great investment niche. Arousing different emotions, some carry ideological, political, technological forces and can currently be negotiated for immeasurable values. 

We list some of the highest value paintings auctioned or sold directly. Check it out:  

10 - Roy Lichtenstein Masterpiece – $165 million (currently $190.5 million) 

The work of pop art artist Roy Lichtenstein was created in 1962, sold in 2017 to art collector Steven A. Cohen. “Why, Brad dear, this painting is a masterpiece! Wow, soon you'll have all of New York clamoring for your work!” are some of the phrases that stamp the work. 

9 - Nu Couché by Amedeo Modigliani – $157.2 million (currently $202.3 million)

Amedeo Modigliani is an Italian sculptor and painter known for painting nude people. His work Nu Couché is part of a series developed between 1917 and 1918, sold in November 2015 for US$170,404,992. 

8 - Les Femmes d’Alger (“Version O”) by Pablo Picasso – $179.4 million (today $212.9 million)

Considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and a co-founder of the Cubist movement, Pablo Picasso produced Les Femmes d'Alger ("Version O") between 1954 and 1955. Auctioned in 2015 for $179,364,992, the art is part of a series with 15 other paintings in honor of his friend Henri Matisse.

7 - Pendant portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit by Rembrandt – $180 million (currently $213 million)

Painted by Rembrandt during the marriage of Soolmans & Coppit in 1634, these paintings were the first full-length portraits produced by the artist. Never shown separately, the work is part of the Louvre collection and hangs in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

6 - (Violet, Green and Red) by Mark Rothko – €140 million (currently $222 million)

With three bands in the colors of the work's name, the painting has had a major influence on contemporary art since its release. Created in 1951 and sold in 2014 for 140 million to Russian tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev.

5 - Jackson Pollock's Number 17A – $200 million (currently $237 million)

One of the most important works of Abstract Impressionism, the work of oil paint on cardboard created in 1948 by Jackson Pollock fetched $200 million in the year 2015. The piece is no longer on public display, but other pieces by the artist may be available. It can be seen at MOMA or at exhibitions around the world. 

4 - Paul Gauguin's Nafea Faa Ipoipo – $254 million (currently $254 million)

Depicting two women in the Polynesian landscape, the work of French Post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin was once the most expensive work in the world. After two years of negotiations, the painting was acquired by the Qatari royal family in 2015. 

3 - The Card Players by Paul Cézanne – $301.1 million (currently $301.1 million)

Also sold to the Qatari royal family, the work is part of a series of five paintings produced by Paul Cézanne in 1810 - sold in 2011 for twice the record for any other art at auction at the time. 

2 - Willem de Kooning Interchange – $300 million (currently $356.1 million)

Signed by Willem de Kooning in 1955, the work was inspired by the region in which he lived in New York. Acquired by billionaire investor Kenneth C Griffin for $200 million, the abstract expressionist oil is currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.

1 - Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi – $450.3 million (currently $519.6 million)

Commissioned by King Louis XII of France in 1500, during the same period as the Mona Lisa, the painting of Jesus Christ disappeared between 1763 and 1900. Rediscovered in 2005, this work by Leonardo da Vinci underwent a major restoration process. Considered the most expensive painting ever sold, the piece was auctioned off at Christie's in 2017 for $450.3 million, going to an unknown buyer..