The world of fine art boasts creations that command enormous prices, with collectors and art lovers vying for ownership. These masterpieces showcase artistic genius and hold cultural and historical significance. Below are the ten most expensive paintings globally, each celebrated for its unique beauty and profound impact.

1. Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci ($450 Million)

Salvator Mundi is an iconic painting by Leonardo da Vinci, depicting Jesus in a blue robe holding a crystal orb. Created around 1500, this masterpiece resurfaced in 2005 after being lost for centuries. In 2017, it became the most expensive painting ever sold, fetching $450 million in a Christie’s auction. Purchased by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, its value has only grown, symbolizing the peak of art investment.

@christiesinc | Instagram | Salvator Mundi is an iconic painting by Leonardo da Vinci, depicting Jesus in a blue robe holding a crystal orb.

2. Interchange by Willem de Kooning ($300 Million)

Willem de Kooning’s Interchange is a prime example of Abstract Expressionism. The painting showcases Kooning’s unique style with vivid, gestural brushstrokes. In 2015, it was sold privately for $300 million to hedge fund billionaire Kenneth Griffin, marking it the most expensive abstract work ever sold. This painting, now on loan at the Art Institute of Chicago, captures the vibrant, evolving American art scene.

3. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne ($250 Million)

The Card Players by Paul Cézanne is one of the most valued post-impressionist works, portraying two men engaged in a game of cards. This painting was sold in 2011 to the Royal Family of Qatar for $250 million, setting a record at that time. The simplicity yet depth of Cézanne’s brushwork has made this piece a highly prized masterpiece in the world of art.

4. Nafea Faa Ipoipo by Paul Gauguin ($210 Million)

Paul Gauguin’s Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) illustrates two women from Tahiti, reflecting Gauguin’s fascination with the island’s culture. Sold for $210 million in 2015, it remains one of the world’s most expensive paintings. The vivid colors and serene expressions on the women’s faces capture Gauguin’s romanticized vision of Tahitian life, making this work a true treasure.

5. Number 17A by Jackson Pollock ($200 Million)

Jackson Pollock’s Number 17A is a hallmark of the drip painting technique. This abstract masterpiece sold in 2016 for $200 million to Kenneth Griffin, alongside Interchange by de Kooning. Pollock’s work redefined American art, and his unorthodox style paved the way for future abstract artists. Its intricate, chaotic patterns invite viewers to explore each stroke and drip.

Credit: Jackson Pollock | Jackson Pollock’s Number 17A is a hallmark of the drip painting technique.

6. The Standard Bearer by Rembrandt ($197.9 Million)

Rembrandt’s The Standard Bearer represents one of his early self-portraits, depicting him dressed as a soldier bearing a flag. Acquired by the Rijksmuseum in 2022, this portrait cost nearly $198 million, with the Dutch government supporting its purchase. Rembrandt’s mastery of light and shadow in this work showcases his talent and solidifies his legacy in Dutch art.

7. The Shot Marilyns by Andy Warhol ($195 Million)

Andy Warhol’s The Shot Marilyns series includes multiple silkscreen portraits of Marilyn Monroe, each characterized by vibrant colors and bold composition. The "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn" sold for $195 million in 2022, becoming the most expensive twentieth-century artwork ever sold at auction. Warhol’s Marilyn series remains iconic, bridging the gap between fine art and popular culture.

8. No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red) by Mark Rothko ($186 Million)

Mark Rothko’s No. 6 embodies his signature style of colored bands. Sold for $186 million, this painting represents Rothko’s introspective approach to color and emotion. Rothko’s abstract compositions invite viewers to connect deeply with the simplicity and intensity of his work, cementing his status as a modern art icon.

9. Wasserschlangen II by Gustav Klimt ($183 Million)

Gustav Klimt’s Wasserschlangen II (Water Serpents II) captures the beauty of water nymphs in an ethereal composition. This painting sold in a controversial private sale for $183 million, reflecting Klimt’s celebrated exploration of sensuality and nature. Its fluid lines and intricate details highlight Klimt’s unparalleled mastery of capturing beauty.

10. Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit by Rembrandt ($180 Million)

This set of pendant portraits by Rembrandt depicts Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit, a wealthy couple. Sold jointly to the Rijksmuseum and the Louvre for $180 million, the pair is exhibited alternately by both institutions. Rembrandt’s lifelike portrayal of the couple exemplifies his skill and the significance of these works within Dutch Golden Age art.