The Most Expensive Artworks Sold: A 2024 Snapshot

March 14, 2024 Gavin Coates

The art market continues to astonish with record-breaking sales, showcasing both historical masterpieces and contemporary gems.

The most expensive artwork sold is Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi," fetching $450.3 million in 2017. It highlights the value of Renaissance art and continues to hold the record for the highest price paid for an artwork at auction.

Here's a look at the trends and highlights based on the most expensive artworks sold recently.

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Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi" holds the all-time record with a staggering sale price of $450.3 million in 2017. This sale highlights the enduring allure and value attributed to Renaissance art and the mystique surrounding da Vinci's works.
Willem de Kooning's "Interchange" fetched around $300 million in a private sale in 2015, illustrating the high market value of abstract expressionist pieces.
Paul Cézanne's "The Card Players" was sold for over $250 million in 2011 to the State of Qatar, showcasing the immense value placed on Post-Impressionist works.

Recent notable sales from 2022 and 2023 include:

Paul Cézanne's "La Montagne Sainte-Victoire" sold for $137.79 million, highlighting the continuing significance of Cézanne's work in the development of modern art.
Vincent van Gogh's "Verger avec cyprès" reached $117.18 million, underlining the persistent fascination and high valuation for Van Gogh's works.
Paul Gauguin's "Maternité II" achieved $105.73 million, demonstrating the market's appreciation for Gauguin's unique approach to Post-Impressionism and his depictions of life in Tahiti.
Gustav Klimt's "Birch Forest" sold for $104.58 million, reflecting the continued interest in Klimt's landscapes and the broader Art Nouveau movement.
Jean-Michel Basquiat's "El Gran Espectaculo (The Nile)" fetched $67.11 million, showcasing the strong market for Basquiat's works and the enduring interest in his exploration of historical and contemporary themes.

These sales not only underscore the high demand for works by historic artists but also indicate the diverse range of artistic movements and periods that attract hefty price tags. From Impressionism and Post-Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism and contemporary art, the market's vast range mirrors the rich tapestry of art history itself.

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