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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For centuries, masterpieces of art have transcended their role as merely "works of art," but as invaluable artifacts. They are a representation of profound meaning and history, created by the genius of legendary artists. Some paintings have achieved astonishing market values, with prices reaching over US$900 million for a variety of reasons, including unique techniques and rich history.
Let's take a look at the 10 most expensive paintings in the world and find out why they're worth millions, as cited by Forbes and Jagran Josh.
1. Mona Lisa
Undoubtedly the most famous painting in the world, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is a timeless masterpiece. Painted between 1503 and 1519, the portrait is valued at over a billion for its appeal, including the sitter's mysterious smile and gaze, as well as the intrigue surrounding her identity. Painted in oil on a poplar panel, Mona Lisa is safely housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it continues to captivate millions of visitors each year.
2. Salvator Mundi
Leonardo da Vinci's iconic and final work, Salvator Mundi, depicts Jesus Christ as the savior of the world. Painted in 1500, the painting has had a complex and controversial history, sparking debates over its authenticity, ownership, and true value. Salvator Mundi was then repainted and sold in 2017 for a staggering $450.3 million, establishing itself as the second most expensive painting in the world. To this day, the story of the painting remains a mystery, as its current whereabouts are unknown.
3. Interchange
Willem de Kooning's Interchange is a remarkable example of his bold, abstract expressionism. Created in 1955, this iconic painting depicts a woman seated in a chair, though her form is almost distorted. Interchange has remained one of the world's most expensive paintings ever since, thanks to the artist's unparalleled blend of abstract style and symbolic component. It was then purchased by billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin in 2015 for an impressive $300 million.
4. The Card Players
Painted by Paul Cézanne in 1892, The Card Players is one of the most influential works of the late 19th and 20th centuries. This monumental version of the painting portrays two men deeply engaged in a game of cards. The painting successfully invites the viewer into a scene of simplicity, stillness, and intensity, and was sold to the Royal Family of Qatar in 2011 for US$250.
5. Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?)
Nafea Faa Ipoipo is a painting that perfectly depicts two Tahitian women in a vibrant tropical setting, reflecting Paul Gauguin's fascination with Tahitian culture. It is considered a post-impressionist gem from 1892, featuring bold hues and outlines within the painting. In 2015, Nafea Faa Ipoipo was valued at $210 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings in the world.
6. Number 17A
Painted by Jackson Pollock in 1948, Number 17A is a prime example of his groundbreaking drip painting technique, a method that Pollock himself pioneered. Through the dynamic interplay of vibrant yellows, blues, and blacks, this magnificent painting beautifully captures the rhythm and energy of Pollock's expressive process. This powerful work was sold in 2015 to billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin for $200 million.
7. The Standard Bearer
The Standard Bearer is known for its masterful use of light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro. One of Rembrandt's most famous works, the painting powerfully conveys the psychological depth of courage and defiance in the military figure it portrays, allowing viewers to delve into human emotions. Painted in 1636, The Standard Bearer is valued at $198 million and is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands.
8. No.6 (Violet, Green, and Red)
Painted in 1951, No. 6 (Violet, Green, and Red) continues to captivate artists and art lovers around the world with its striking use of vibrant colors and softened edge forms. Mark Rothko, the artist, created this large-scale painting as part of his exploration into the spiritual and emotional realms, inviting viewers to experience these feelings through the artwork. Valued at approximately $186 million, the painting remains a powerful example of Rothko's unique expressionism..
9. Wasserschlangen II
One of the most expensive paintings in the world, Gustav Klimt's Water Snakes II is a piece of history. Once stolen by the Nazis during World War II, it beautifully reflects his fascination with eroticism and the female form. This work, a sequel to Water Snakes I, explores themes of sensuality and same-sex relationships. Water Serpents II captivates with its dreamy, ethereal atmosphere, as well as its intricate and captivating composition, valued at $183.8 million for its beauty and rich history.
10. Pendant portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit
Rounding out the list, Pendant Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit is another of Rembrandt's phenomenal works that depict the newlywed couple in a life-size portrait. Painted in the 17th century, this stunning artwork reveals the fine details and textures of the couple's lavish clothing, reflecting the elegance of Amsterdam's elite and Dutch history. This masterpiece sold for $180 million and now hangs in two iconic locations - the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Louvre in Paris.
These masterpieces are more than works of art; they are legacies, stories, and histories that remind us of the complexity of emotions and ideas.
Forbes | Jagran Josh
Editor's Choice: Sale of Paul Gauguin's Painting Breaks World Record
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