The priciest artworks: auction records and mysteries of authorship.

Art enthusiasts invest in both antiques and contemporary works, often surprising those around them with their choices. For collectors, there are no boundaries—they are willing to spend substantial amounts. Year after year, auction houses and private galleries witness record-breaking sales of works by old masters, 20th-century artists, and modern creators who reinterpret the traditions of the craft.

The most expensive acquisitions have not gone unnoticed: from Andy Warhol's painting, which set records at Christie's auction, to Rembrandt's paired portraits that have remained practically inseparable for centuries.

“Salvator Mundi” by Leonardo da Vinci

This artwork was sold for over $450 million at Christie's in 2017 to an anonymous buyer. The New York Times reported that the transaction was made on behalf of Saudi Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan Al Saud—since then, the painting has been owned by the Saudi Ministry of Culture.

“Salvator Mundi” is considered not only the most expensive painting in the world but also possibly one of the most controversial. Many researchers question whether it was solely created by Leonardo da Vinci, pointing to the composition's inconsistency with the master's typical style. According to an analysis conducted by the Louvre in 2018, the work underwent changes: the hands and arms were added later by Leonardo himself.

“Interchange” by Willem de Kooning

American painter Willem de Kooning, of Dutch descent, gained fame in the genre of abstract expressionism. His works frequently feature figures, landscapes, and still lifes. “Interchange” symbolizes the artist's transition from figurative compositions centered on women to more abstract urban motifs. A pink hue, associated with a female figure lying against a backdrop of bustling life, stands out in the center of the painting.

Kenneth C. Griffin acquired the canvas for $300 million from the David Geffen Foundation in September 2015.

“The Card Players” by Paul Cézanne

In the 1890s, French artist Paul Cézanne created a series of five paintings depicting two workers engrossed in a card game. The artist moved away from bright, emotional works to focus on a more subdued narrative. The paintings in this series are displayed in museums worldwide. However, one of the canvases, dated 1892–1893, was purchased by the Qatari royal family for $250 million in 2011.

“When Will You Marry?” by Paul Gauguin

This is one of Paul Gauguin's earliest works, painted after his first trip to Tahiti in 1891. The painting portrays a young local girl with a white flower in her hair (in Tahitian culture, a flower in the hair symbolizes readiness for marriage), along with her mother sitting nearby, protecting her daughter.

The painting was originally owned by Swiss businessman Rudolf Staehelin and was bought in 2015 by an anonymous collector from Qatar for $300 million. However, during a legal dispute in 2017, it was revealed that the price was actually $210 million.

“Number 17A” by Jackson Pollock

Founder of abstract expressionism, Jackson Pollock became famous for his “drip” painting technique: he splattered paint across the canvas, conveying emotions through movement.

“Number 17A” is an abstract canvas featuring a kaleidoscope of colors on hardboard. This is one of Pollock's early works in this technique. Billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin purchased the painting in 2015 for $200 million from the David Geffen Foundation.

“The Standard Bearer” by Rembrandt

This self-portrait, created in 1636, is considered one of Rembrandt's most outstanding works. The painting was once part of King George IV of England's collection and was later bought by the Rothschild family in 1844.

In 2021, the Dutch government announced its intention to acquire the work for the national collection. The painting was ultimately purchased from the Rothschilds for €175 million (about $198 million) in 2022. Since then, it has been exhibited in museums across the country.

“Shot Blue Marilyn” by Andy Warhol

The sale of this work shocked the art industry. American art dealer Larry Gagosian bought it for $195 million at Christie's auction in 2022.

Warhol created this piece as part of a series of five paintings, using silkscreen printing and a cropped promotional photograph of the actress from the film “Niagara.” The series was dubbed “shot” after artist Dorothy Podber shot four of the paintings with a gun. The canvases were restored, but the name remained.

“No. 6 (Violet, Green, Red)” by Mark Rothko

This work by American artist Mark Rothko, completed in 1951, consists of two color fields—violet and bright red, separated by a green stripe. The painting was sold to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev in 2014 for $186 million.

Portraits of Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit by Rembrandt

These full-length wedding portraits, painted in 1634, are distinct from other pair portraits of the 17th century as they have been kept together since their creation.

The Rothschild family acquired the works in 1878 and later sold them through Christie's to the Louvre and Rijksmuseum for $180 million. The two museums take turns exhibiting the portraits, ensuring their inseparability.

“Water Serpents II” by Gustav Klimt

This painting, completed in 1907, is part of a series dedicated to the sensuality of female forms.

During World War II, the canvas was confiscated by the Nazis from Jewish collector Jenny Steiner and handed over to director Gustav Ucicky.

After changing hands several times, the work was sold in 2017 for $170 million. It is now displayed at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.