The 20 Most Expensive Paintings In the World

Who ever thought that paintings can be this expensive?

These Beautiful work of art are worth thousands of milions of dollars and you need to be super rich to be able to afford one.

Having done research on the premium (and rich collection of) artistic works available, we have compiled the list of 20 most expensive Paintings In the World.

They are:
 

20. Untitled – Jean-Michel Basquiat

WORTH: $110.5 Million

Starting off the list of the most expensive paintings in the world is Untitled – Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The painting is the work of the prominent Jean-Michel Basquiat, who is an NYC graffiti.

The artistic piece of talent portrays a skull and it’s drawn using spray paint.

It is one of the oldest but most valued work in the list – the painting was drawn after 1980 and in 2017, sold for a price slightly way more than $110.5 to Yusaku Maezawa, a Japanese billionaire.

19. Reclining Nude With Blue Cushion – Amedeo Modigliani

WORTH: $118 Million

Coming in next on the list, Reclining Nude With Blue Cushion by Amedeo Modigliani is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

However, this piece of art work portrays an offensive display of a nude woman.

The 1917 piece of art was purchased by Russian billionaire, Dmitry Rybolovlevn in 2012 for a fee that goes around $118 Million.
.

18. The Scream Edvard Munch

WORTH: $119.9 Million

The Scream is an expensive and iconic piece of painting.

It was drawn by the well renonced Edvard Munch and is currently owned by billionaire financier Leon Black who made the purchase in 2012.

This famous painting is one out of the four version available however, it is second valued only to 1893 oil painting rendition which is currently on display at Oslo, Norway’s national gallery.

Nevertheless, the fantastic four is a true epitome of art at its best!

17. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I – Gustav Klimt

WORTH: $5 Million

Going for a massive $5 Million, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

Also dubbed as “The Lady in Gold”, the 1907 work of art is of Jewish accent.

It is painted by one of the best in the business line – Gustav Klimt, an Austrian artist.

In 2006, “The Lady in Gold” was purchased by Ronald Lauder, a prominent Russian billionaire.

16. Woman III – Willem de Kooning

WORTH: $137.5 Million

Coming in next on the list, Woman III by Willem de Kooning is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

The painting was initially bought by David Geffen before being purchased by the billionaire, hedge fund manager, Steven A. Cohen.

The work of art was created by the Dutchman and expressionist, Willem de Kooning in the early 1950.

However, the painting is very offensive and as such, it is not in display in any of the gallery – last time out, the management of Tehran’s Museum of Contemporary Art in Iran brought it down for this reason.

Nevertheless, Woman III was purchased for $137.5 million dollars in 2006 by Steven Cohen.

15. No. 5, 1948 – Jackson Pollock

WORTH: $140 Million

No. 5, 1948 is the fifteenth (15th) most expensive painting in the world.

The painting original worth is $140 Million but unfortunately, it got damaged in Ossorios house after he purchased the fake model for $1500.

Jackson Pollock (himself) could only repaint the work but don’t be deceived by its sad history; the original version of the painting can land any buyer on both feet!
 

14. Three Studies of Lucian Freud – Francis Bacon

WORTH: $142.4 Million

Up next on the list, Three Studies of Lucian Freud is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

It was painted by Francis Bacon in 1969 and portrays Lucian Freud, who was a sort of competitor to him.

In 2013, Elaine Wynn bought the Beautiful work of art at an auction for a mindblogging $142.4 Million.

13. Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II – Gustav Klimt

WORTH: $150 Million

Claiming the number 13 spot on the list, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

The artistic portrait is the work of Gustav Klimt; which sold for $150 million in 2016.

The painting has an interesting historical attachment to it; which ranges from being stolen to multiple ownership.
 

12. Le Rêve – Pablo Picasso

WORTH: $155 Million

Breaking in among the first twelve (12), Le Rêve is among the most expensive paintings in history.

Le Rêve is interpreted as “the dream” and is worth a massive $155 Million.

This Pablo Picasso’s Beautiful artistic work was previously purchased by the business-man, Steve Wynn.

He later agreed to sell it to Steven A.Cohen for a devaluing $55 Million but still, the deal did not pull through.

So, it still reclaims it’s spot!

11. Nu couché (sur le côté gauche) – Amedeo Modigliani

WORTH: $157.2 Million

Coming in next on the list, Nu couché (sur le côté gauche) is one of the most expensive paintings in the world of art.

The painting is very offensive as its display the configuration of a naked woman from top to bottom.

Also, the work of art was created by Amedeo Modigliani in 1917 and was purchased by Chinese stock-market-billionaire, Liu Yiqian who currently owns it.

10. Masterpiece – Roy Lichtenstein

WORTH: $165 Million

Breaking into the top 10, Masterpiece is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

The artistic piece is associated with “Whaam!” and “Look Mickey” paintings.

It was created by the well renonced Roy Lichtenstein in 1962.

The Beautiful work of art was purchased in 2017 by billionaire and avid art collector, Steven A. Cohen for $165 million.

Also, the whole work is inspired by Comics and it’s damn so interesting!

9. Nu couché – Amedeo Modigliani

WORTH: $170.4 Million

Coming in next on the list, Nu couché is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

Amedeo Modigliani’s 1917 is valued for $170.4 Million.

However, just like the previous one we discussed about, Nu couché portrays a woman on a naked sofa.

The difference is that this piece was purchased by Liu Yiqian, a Chinese billionaire.

8. Les Femmes d’ Alger (“Version O”) – Pablo Picasso

WORTH: $197.4 Million

Les Femmes d’ Alger (“Version O”) is the eighth (8th) most expensive painting in the world.

The beautiful work of art is currently owned by the former prime minister of Qatar, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani.

It was also part of the 1954-55 series from Picasso called “Les Femmes d’Alger.”

7. Pendant portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit – Rembrandt

WORTH: $180 Million

Pendant portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

It was painted by the notorious painter, Rembrandt in 1634.

The artistic work marked the wedding celebration of a couple: Maerten and Oopjen.

However, Pendant portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppitare is two different paintings but joined as one.

Strange?

6. No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) – Mark Rothko

WORTH: $186 Million

Valued for an incredible $186 Million, No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) is the sixth (6th) most expensive painting in the world.

The famous painting is created by Mark Rothko.

However, there is an on going legal war between Russian tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev and his art dealer, Yves Bouvier over claims of fraud and overcharging.

This piece happens to be involved as it’s part of the 36 pieces in “Bouvier Affair.”
 

5. Number 17A – Jackson Pollock

WORTH: $200 Million

Kicking off the top five (5) spot and breaking the $200 Million bank, Number 17A is one of the most expensive paintings in the world.

It was painted by Jackson Pollock in 1948 however, it’s not on public display.

It is owned by hedge fund manager, Kenneth C Griffin who purchased it in 2015.

4. Nafea Faa Ipoipo – Paul Gauguin

WORTH: $210 Million

Nafea Faa Ipoipo is the fourth (4th) most expensive painting in the world.

It is painted by the Frenchman, Paul Gauguin and its title is “When Will You Marry?”.

This work of art is widely dubbed as the artist’s best post-travelling painting.

Incredible!

3. The Card Players – Paul Cézanne

WORTH: $250 Million

Starting off the top three (3) on the list, The Card Players is one of the most expensive paintings in history.

The artistic portrait is the work of Paul Cézanne and was featured in French master’s 1890s’ series.

In 2011, The Card Players was purchased by the Royal Family of Qatar.

2. Interchange – Willem de Kooning

WORTH: $300 Million

The award for the second most expensive painting in the world goes to Interchange.

Also, it is the most expensive work of art in the private investment sector.

The painting is the work of Willem de Kooning who masterminded the drawing in 1955.

The artistic portrait is currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Interchange was purchased by Hedge fund billionaire, Kenneth C Griffin.

1. Salvator Mundi – Leonardo da Vinci

WORTH: $450.3 Million

Salvator Mundi is the most expensive painting in the world.

It portrays the figure of Jesus Christ, Christian’s personal Lord and savior, holding a crystal orb.

In 1605, The artistic work was commissioned by King Louis XII of France.

However, during the course of time, the painting was lost and was (only) later discovered by British art dealers in 2005.

They restored the full potential of the work after spending six (6) good years on renovation and investigation before making an official statement that the painting is original.

In 2011, it was on exhibition by the National Gallery of London and was later purchased by Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

Also known as the “Savior of the World” (Salvator Mundi), one of the oldest paintings in history goes for an insane $450.3 Million.

Wow!

Conclusion

That was all on the 20 most expensive Paintings In the World.

As you can see on the list, most of the paintings worth way more than real estates!

Before rounding off the list, let’s take a quick look at the summary:

S/N	Painting	Worth
1.	Salvator Mundi – Leonardo da Vinci	$450.3 Million
2.	Interchange – Willem de Kooning	$300 Million
3.	The Card Players – Paul Cézanne	$250 Million
4.	Nafea Faa Ipoipo – Paul Gauguin	$210 Million
5.	Number 17A – Jackson Pollock	$200 Million
6.	No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) – Mark Rothko	$186 Million
7.	Pendant portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit – Rembrandt	$180 Million
8.	Les Femmes d’ Alger (“Version O”) – Pablo Picasso	$197.4 Million
9.	Nu couché – Amedeo Modigliani	$170.4 Million
10.	Masterpiece – Roy Lichtenstein	$165 Million
11.	Nu couché (Sur le côté gauche) – Amedeo Modigliani	$157.2 Million
12.	Le Rêve – Pablo Picasso	$155 Million
13.	Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II – Gustav Klimt	$150 Million
14.	Three Studies of Lucian Freud – Francis Bacon	$142.4 Million
15.	No. 5, 1948 – Jackson Pollock	$140 Million
16.	Woman III – Willem de Kooning	$137.5 Million
17.	Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I – Gustav Klimt	$135 Million
18.	The Scream – Edvard Munch	$119.9 Million
19.	Reclining Nude With Blue Cushion – Amedeo Modigliani	$118 Million
20.	Untitled – Jean-Michel Basquiat	$110.5 Million