There are people out there, collectors, who are willing to drop unbelievable amounts of money in order to say they own a piece of art. Some people do that with watches, some with cars, some with wine. These are the 10 most expensive paintings ever sold. Keep in mind, though, that the most famous paintings in the world (like the stunning Mona Lisa) are kept in museums- they simply aren’t for sale.
“Three studies of Lucian Freud” by Francis Bacon
This painting was estimated to sell at auction for $85,000,000 in 2013. However, a bidding war between 7 potential buyers brought the price up to a cool $145,000,000.
“Portrait of Dr Gachet” By Vincent Van Gogh
If you are unfamiliar with who this is, it’s the medic who was caring for the ailing van Gogh during his final months. It was sold for $152,000,000, however, it is now lost.
“Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” by Gustav Klimt
This stunning gold covered painting had an interesting history as it was seized by the Nazis during WWII before eventually being recovered. It was sold in 2006 for $158,400,000.
“Le Réve” by Pablo Picasso
A painting done in the classic Picasso style depicting a woman relaxing in a chair was sold to Steve Cohen in 2013 for $158,400,000. The deal was initially set to be completed in 2006, but the owner of the painting had accidentally put his elbow through the canvas. Once repaired, the deal was done.
“Woman III” by Willem De Kooning
A series of six paintings done by Willem (above is #1) has produced one of the most expensive paintings ever sold. It was bought by a hedge fund billionaire for $162,400,000.
“No 5.” By Jackson Pollock
This splattered masterpiece by legendary painter Jackson Pollock was sold for $165,400,000.
“Les Femmes d’Alger” by Pablo Picasso.
Pablo created 15 versions of this painting, this one is Version O. It is considered to be the most important of the series, and it sold for $179,300,000.
“No 6.” By Mark Rothko
A painting by the name of “No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) by Mark Rothko was purchased by a Russian billionaire for $186,000,000.
“The Card Players” by Paul Cézanne
This painting of two classic men playing a game of cards at a bar was sold in 2011 for a cool $247,000,000.
“When Will You Marry” by Paul Gauguin
This 1982 painting of two females from Tahiti was sold by a Swiss Collector for a stunning $300,000,000.
Some may say that it is ridiculous to spend that kind of coin on some art. I agree.
Via Telegraph