In the fascinating world of art, auctions stand as grand stages where history is often made and redefined. They are the arenas where the value of creativity is not just appreciated but quantified in staggering amounts. This article will take you on a journey to explore the top 10 highest selling artworks sold through both auction and private collection. Each a testament to human creativity, history and the sheer power of wealth. These sales have not only broken records but have also sparked conversations about the value of art and its role in society.
10) Rembrandt van Rijn’s “Portraits of Maerten Soolmans & Oopjen Coppit” (1634) - $180 million
“Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit” are a pair of full-length portrait paintings by the Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1634. These works depict a young wealthy couple from Amsterdam and are celebrated for their exquisite detail, rich textures and the sophisticated use of light and shadow, all of which are characteristic of Rembrandt’s mastery in portraiture. The backgrounds of each is subdued, ensuring that the figures are the focus of the viewer’s attention. Notably, these portraits are significant for the insight that they can provide into the wealth and fashion of the Dutch Golden Age’s elite society. After being privately owned for centuries, the portraits were jointly purchased by the Rijksmuseum, in Amsterdam, and the Louvre, in Paris, in 2016, marking a landmark collaboration between the two museums to preserve these masterpieces for future generations.
9) Gustav Klimt’s “Wasserschlangen II” (1904 – 1907) - $183 million
“Wasserschlangen II” or “Water Serpents II” created by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt between 1904 and 1907, is a captivating work of art that showcases Klimt’s unique style and his fascination with female figuration. Tis painting is part of a series that explores themes of love, sexuality, and death, motifs that are recurrent in Klimt’s works. “Wasserschlangen II” features an entanglement of female figures and serpentine forms, set against a richly decorative background that is typical of Klimt’s approach during his golden phase. The composition is a testament to Klimt’s mastery of pattern and ornament, as well as his daring approach to subject matter, blending sensuality with a decorative style that draws heavily on Art Nouveau influences. The intricate details, use of gold leaf, and the dreamlike quality of the figures floating in an ambiguous, fluid space, create a mesmerising visual experience that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. This artwork was sold in 2013 for $183 million and found itself subsequently part of the Bouvier Affair cases.
8) Mark Rothko’s “No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)” (1951) - $186 million
“No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)” by Mark Rothko, painted in 1951, stands as a monumental example of Rothko’s signature style, emblematic of his contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement. This painting, like many in Rothko’s collection, is characterised by large blocks of colour that seem to float against a contrasting background, creating a composition that is simple and yet emotive. The relationship of violet, green and red hues demonstrate Rothko’s masterful understanding of colour as a vehicle for expressing profound human emotions and existential truths. The soft, blurred edges of the fields of colour invite the viewers into a meditative space, encouraging a personal encounter with the work. Rothko’s paintings are not merely visual experiences but are intended to evoke an emotional response, creating a dialogue between the artwork and the viewer. This work was sold in 2014 for $186 million by art dealer Yves Bouvier, and found itself part of the Bouvier Affair cases.
7) Andy Warhol’s “Shot Sage Blue Marylin” (1964) - $195 million
“Shot Sage Blue Marilyn” is one of the most iconic pieces in Andy Warhol’s ‘Marilyn Monroe’ series, created in 1964. This artwork exemplifies Warhol’s signature pop art style, where he transformed a photograph of the Hollywood starlet into an art icon, using vibrant colours and repetitive imagery to both celebrate and critique the nature of fame and consumer culture. The shot in the title refers to an incident where the canvas was literally shot with a bullet in Warhol’s studio, adding a layer of violence and mortality to the work. The work, like many in the series, challenges the traditional notions of portraiture and art, making a statement on the commodification of individuals and the fleeting nature of fame. This work was featured in Christie’s New York auction in May of 2022 and sold for $195 million.
6) Rembrandt van Rijn’s “The Standard Bearer” (1636) - $197.9
“The Standard Bearer” is an exceptional painting by Rembrandt van Rijn, created in 1636. This artwork showcases Rembrandt’s skill in capturing the essence of his subjects, with a focus on depth, emotion and realism. The painting portrays a young man clad in a lavish, 16th century costume, holding a standard. The figure’s dynamic pose and the intense, direct gaze engage the viewer, creating a sense of immediacy and presence. Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro, the dramatic contrast between light and shadow, breathes life into the composition, highlighting the intricate details of the costume and the bearer’s expression. Also in this work we see Rembrandt’s skill in rendering textures, from the luxurious fabrics of the costume to the softness of the skin, and his ability to convey a narrative and emotional depth through portraiture. This painting was sold in 2022 to the Rijksmuseum through private sale at around $198 million.
5) Jackson Pollock’s “Number 17A” (1948) - $200 million
Created in 1948, “Number 17A” by American painter Jackson Pollock, was part of a period of intense creativity that would redefine the boundaries of painting. This particular artwork is a prime example of Pollock’s innovative ‘drip’ technique, wherein he would pour, drip and splatter paint onto a horizontal canvas, a method that marked a radical departure from traditional painting techniques. This work embodies the essence of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that sought to convey emotion and the subconscious through abstract forms and vigorous, gestural brushwork. The painting is a vibrant, chaotic web of colours, lines and textures that invites viewers to explore the depths of their own emotions and interpretations. This particular work was sold in 2015 for $200 million, and was at the time loaned to the Art Institute of Chicago.
4) Paul Gauguin’s “Nafea Faa Ipoipo?” (1892) - $210 million
“Nafea Faa Ipoipo” or “When will you Marry?” was created by artist Paul Gauguin in 1892, during his first trip to Tahiti. This vibrant work exemplifies Gauguin’s quest for a retreat to escape from the industrialisation and moral constraints of European society. The painting features two Tahitian women set against a vivid, lush landscape that is rich in colour and symbolic elements. The clothing that both women wear highlights the cultural clash between native traditions and European colonial influence. Gauguin’s use of bold, flat colours and strong outlines was influenced by the Synthetist style, aiming to convey the emotional and spiritual experiences of his subjects rather than a realistic depiction. It was originally sold in 2015 for $300 million, however it was resold at a loss for $210 million.
3) Paul Cézanne’s “The Card Players” (1892) - $250 million
This work is one of several paintings from “The Card Players” series by Paul Cézanne, created in the early 1890s. This particular artwork is one of the smaller canvases in the series and distinguishes itself through its intense focus on the psychological interaction between the two players, set against a stark, simplified background that highlights their absorption in the game. This work was sold in 2011 by a private sale to the royal family of Qatar, with reports that the final pricing was between $250 and $300 million.
2) Willen de Kooning’s “Interchange” (1955) - $300 million
“Interchange” created by Willem de Kooning in 1955, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Abstract Expressionism. This painting is renowned for its dynamic composition, vigorous brushwork and the interplay of colours and forms, which together encapsulate de Kooning’s exploration of the human condition and the complexities of the modern world. The painting’s title suggests a theme of exchange or transition, mirroring the artist’s own shifting focus and the broader movement within the art world towards abstraction. This work also showcases a change in focus for de Kooning, who often painted figurative works, however this work reflects the urban surroundings of New York City. In 2015, this work was sold for $300 million, and is seen as a powerful testament to de Kooning’s mastery over form and his ability to convey deep emotional and existential themes through his artwork.
1) Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” (1500) - $450.3 million
“Salvator Mundi” attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, is a mesmerising portrayal of Christ, dating back to around the early 16th century. Holding a crystal orb in one hand and raising the other in blessing, this enigmatic painting stands out for its subtle detailing, delicate treatment of the subject, all of which reflect Da Vinci’s unparalleled skill and the innovative techniques he employed. The painting’s history is as captivating as the artwork itself, having disappeared for centuries before resurfacing in a damaged state and undergoing extensive restoration. Its attribution to Da Vinci has been a subject of intense debate among scholars, with many questioning the extent of his involvement in its creation. In 2017 the artwork was sold at Christie’s auction for a record-breaking price of $450.3 million making it the most expensive painting ever sold at the time.
The world of art sales, as illustrated through the sale of these extraordinary artworks, underscores the profound fascination and value society places on artistic achievement. Each work on this list not only fetched an eye-watering sum, but also highlighted the evolving narratives of art, culture and economics that intertwine to elevate these creations to record-breaking status. These transactions not only speak to the intrinsic beauty and historical significance of the artworks but also reflect the complex dynamics of the art market and its capacity to ascribe value to objects of human creativity. These sales remind us of the enduring power of art to captivate, inspire and redefine the parameters of value and taste in the ever-expanding universe of human culture.