The world of art has always been known for its staggering prices and expensive auctions. Over the years, some of the world's most famous and influential paintings have sold for staggering amounts of money. Here are the top five most expensive paintings ever sold at auction:
Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci - $450.3 million Salvator Mundi is a painting of Jesus Christ that was attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. It was sold at a Christie's auction in New York in 2017, setting a new record for the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. The buyer was later revealed to be Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.
Interchange by Willem de Kooning - $300 million Interchange is an abstract expressionist painting by Willem de Kooning, one of the pioneers of the movement. It was sold in a private sale in 2015 for $300 million, making it the second most expensive painting ever sold.
The Card Players by Paul Cézanne - $250 million The Card Players is a series of oil paintings by French artist Paul Cézanne. One of the paintings in the series was sold in a private sale in 2011 for $250 million, making it the third most expensive painting ever sold.
Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) by Paul Gauguin - $210 million Nafea Faa Ipoipo is a painting by French post-impressionist artist Paul Gauguin. It was sold in a private sale in 2015 for $210 million, making it the fourth most expensive painting ever sold.
Number 17A by Jackson Pollock - $200 million Number 17A is an abstract expressionist painting by Jackson Pollock, known for his unique drip painting technique. It was sold in a private sale in 2016 for $200 million, making it the fifth most expensive painting ever sold.
These paintings represent some of the most iconic works of art in history, and their record-breaking prices reflect their significance and cultural value. While most of us will never be able to afford such masterpieces, their influence and impact on the art world will continue to inspire and captivate us for generations to come.