Most expensive paintings ever sold at auction are masterpieces that showcase the brilliance of renowned artists. Leading the list is Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci, which fetched an astounding $450.3 million, setting a new record.
Other notable works include Interchange by Willem de Kooning, The Card Players by Paul Cézanne, and Number 17A by Jackson Pollock, each selling for hundreds of millions of dollars. These iconic paintings, rich in history and artistic significance, continue to captivate collectors and investors alike, highlighting the ever-increasing value of rare and exceptional artworks.
Table For Top 10 Most Expensive Paintings and Their Prices :-
| Rank | Painting Name | Artist | Price (in Million $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salvator Mundi | Leonardo da Vinci | $450.3 |
| 2 | Interchange | Willem de Kooning | $300 |
| 3 | The Card Players | Paul Cézanne | $250 |
| 4 | Nafea Faa Ipoipo | Paul Gauguin | $210 |
| 5 | Number 17A | Jackson Pollock | $200 |
| 6 | Water Serpents II | Gustav Klimt | $190 |
| 7 | No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) | Mark Rothko | $186 |
| 8 | Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit | Rembrandt | $180 |
| 9 | Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O) | Pablo Picasso | $179.4 |
| 10 | Nu couché | Amedeo Modigliani | $170.4 |
1. Salvator Mundi – $450.3 Million
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Year: c. 1500
Auction House: Christie’s (2017)
Salvator Mundi, Latin for “Savior of the World,” is the most expensive painting ever sold. Created by the legendary Leonardo da Vinci, it depicts Christ dressed in Renaissance robes, holding a transparent crystal orb. The painting was rediscovered in the early 2000s, after being long considered lost. Due to its mysterious history and the fact that only a few da Vinci paintings exist today, it was auctioned for a record-breaking $450.3 million at Christie’s in 2017.
2. Interchange – $300 Million
Artist: Willem de Kooning
Year: 1955
Buyer: Kenneth C. Griffin (2015)
This abstract expressionist masterpiece by Willem de Kooning is a vibrant and energetic depiction of movement and form. Sold in a private transaction for $300 million, it is considered a landmark of post-World War II American art. De Kooning’s use of aggressive brushstrokes and bright colors revolutionized abstract expressionism, making Interchange one of the most influential paintings of the 20th century.
3. The Card Players – $250 Million
Artist: Paul Cézanne
Year: 1892-1893
Buyer: Royal Family of Qatar (2011)
Paul Cézanne’s The Card Players is a masterpiece of post-impressionism. Part of a series, this version was sold to the Royal Family of Qatar for $250 million, making it one of the most valuable privately owned paintings. Cézanne’s use of muted colors and intense focus on composition make this painting a revolutionary work in art history.
4. Nafea Faa Ipoipo – $210 Million
Artist: Paul Gauguin
Year: 1892
Buyer: Qatar Museums (2015)
Translated as “When Will You Marry?”, this masterpiece by Paul Gauguin captures the serene beauty of Tahitian women. It was sold for $210 million in a private sale in 2015. Gauguin’s fascination with exoticism and escape from European culture is evident in this piece, making it one of the most significant works in his collection.
5. Number 17A – $200 Million
Artist: Jackson Pollock
Year: 1948
Buyer: Kenneth C. Griffin (2016)
An explosion of paint and motion, Number 17A by Jackson Pollock is a prime example of his drip painting technique. Sold for $200 million, this piece is celebrated for its chaotic yet balanced composition, representing Pollock’s revolutionary approach to abstract art.
6. Water Serpents II – $190 Million
Artist: Gustav Klimt
Year: 1904-1907
Buyer: Unknown (2013)
This seductive and dreamlike painting by Gustav Klimt was sold in a private sale for $190 million. Featuring golden tones and flowing figures, it embodies the Art Nouveau movement, which Klimt famously led.
7. No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) – $186 Million
Artist: Mark Rothko
Year: 1951
Buyer: Dmitry Rybolovlev (2014)
A prime example of Rothko’s color field painting, No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) conveys deep emotion through simple yet profound color relationships. Sold for $186 million, it exemplifies Rothko’s ability to evoke powerful feelings through abstract art.
8. Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit – $180 Million
Artist: Rembrandt
Year: 1634
Buyer: Jointly owned by Louvre & Rijksmuseum (2016)
This pair of portraits by Rembrandt were sold together for $180 million. The paintings showcase Rembrandt’s mastery in realism and detail, depicting a wealthy couple dressed in 17th-century Dutch attire.
9. Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O) – $179.4 Million
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Year: 1955
Auction House: Christie’s (2015)
A masterpiece of cubism, Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O) is one of Picasso’s most celebrated works. Sold for $179.4 million, the painting reinterprets Eugène Delacroix’s 1834 painting while incorporating Picasso’s signature bold colors and fragmented forms.
10. Nu couché – $170.4 Million
Artist: Amedeo Modigliani
Year: 1917
Auction House: Sotheby’s (2018)
This sensual and provocative reclining nude by Amedeo Modigliani is one of his most famous works. Sold for $170.4 million, it reflects Modigliani’s distinct style of elongated forms and soft color tones.
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Conclusion
The Top 10 Most Expensive Paintings in the World – 2025 represent both financial power and artistic genius. Whether displayed in museums or private collections, these masterpieces continue to appreciate in value, proving that art remains one of the most sought-after assets in the world.
FAQs :-
Why are these paintings so expensive?
Their rarity, artist significance, and historical impact make them highly valuable.
Which painting holds the highest auction record?
Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci, sold for $450.3 million.
Are these paintings still in private collections?
Some are privately owned, while others are in museums.
What factors determine a painting’s price?
Provenance, demand, rarity, and artist reputation.
Can paintings appreciate in value?
Yes, they often increase in value due to growing demand.