1. Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci) – invaluable

The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous and valuable paintings in the world. Housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, it is considered invaluable due to its cultural, historical, and artistic significance. Painted in the early 1500s, the portrait is renowned for its subject’s mysterious smile, detailed realism, and da Vinci’s innovative techniques. Although it has no official price, experts agree it is irreplaceable and would likely be worth hundreds of millions if ever sold—though it is permanently protected as a French national treasure and can never be auctioned.

Image at Los enigmas de la Mona Lisa

2. Salvator Mundi (Leonardo da Vinci – 450.3 million

Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci stands as the most expensive painting ever sold. In 2017, Christie’s auctioned it for $450.3 million. The artwork depicts Christ holding a crystal orb, capturing great religious symbolism. For centuries, people believed it lost, but experts only confirmed da Vinci’s authorship in the early 2000s. Consequently, its rarity and intriguing history fueled its record-breaking price. Furthermore, the painting highlights the immense value of da Vinci’s surviving works. While some still debate how much Leonardo personally painted, Salvator Mundi continues to represent both artistic genius and extraordinary market value.

Image at Salvator Mundi – Leonardo Da Vinci Hand-painted Oil Painting Replica, Portrait of Christ by the Renaissance, Savior of the World Painting – Etsy

3. Interchange (Willem de Kooning) – $300 million

Interchange by Willem de Kooning sold for $300 million in a private sale in 2015. Therefore, it ranks among the most expensive paintings ever sold. Created in 1955, this abstract oil painting marked a shift in de Kooning’s style toward a more fluid and expressive approach. Furthermore, it is known for its energetic brushwork and vibrant colors. As a result, Interchange stands as a key example of Abstract Expressionism. The painting was purchased by hedge fund billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin, which highlights the high demand for iconic post-war art. Ultimately, its value reflects both de Kooning’s influence and the elite status of modern American masterpieces.

Image at Interchange by Willem de Kooning

4. The Card Players (Paul Cézanne) – $250 million

The Card Players by Paul Cézanne is one of the most expensive paintings ever sold. Reportedly, it sold for $250 million in a private sale in 2011. Moreover, the painting belongs to a series of five works created in the 1890s. These pieces show Provençal peasants quietly playing cards. In addition, the artwork is known for its simplicity, balance, and emotional depth. It also marks a turning point between Impressionism and modern art. The Royal Family of Qatar purchased the piece, which highlights its cultural and historical importance. Ultimately, its value reflects Cézanne’s strong influence on later artists like Picasso and Matisse.

Image at Paul Cézanne | The Card Players | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

5. Nafea Faa Ipoipo *When Will You Marry?* (Paul Gauguin) – $250 million

Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) by Paul Gauguin sold for around $250 million in a private sale in 2015. As a result, it ranks among the most expensive paintings ever. Painted in 1892 during Gauguin’s first trip to Tahiti, the artwork shows two Tahitian women. Moreover, it reflects his deep fascination with Polynesian culture. Its bold colors and exotic subject matter mark a clear break from European artistic traditions. Reportedly, a member of the Qatari royal family bought the painting. Therefore, the sale highlights both its artistic value and its cultural importance.

Image at Paul_Gauguin – Libretilla

6. Number 17A (Jackson Pollock) – $200 million

Number 17A by Jackson Pollock sold for about $200 million in a private sale in 2016. This made it one of the most expensive paintings ever. Created in 1948, it shows Pollock’s famous drip painting style, which helped redefine abstract art. Moreover, its chaotic yet balanced look reflects his ability to express emotion through paint and motion. In fact, billionaire Kenneth C. Griffin bought it along with de Kooning’s Interchange in a major deal. Ultimately, Number 17A marks a high point in Abstract Expressionism and shows Pollock’s lasting influence on modern art.

Image at Wood Wall Art & Decor | Society6

7. No. 6 *Violet, Green and Red* (Mark Rothko) – $186 million

No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) by Mark Rothko sold for about $186 million in a private sale in 2014. This placed it among the most expensive paintings ever. Created in 1951, it shows Rothko’s signature style—large, soft-edged blocks of color that stir deep emotions. Moreover, its simplicity and bold use of color represent Color Field painting, a key part of Abstract Expressionism. Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev reportedly bought the work, showing the strong demand for Rothko’s rare art. In the end, its price proves how minimalism, emotional power, and historic value can drive art to incredible worth.

Image at Mark Rothko No 6 Violet Green And Red 1951 painting – No 6 Violet Green And Red 1951 print for sale

8. Pendant Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit (Rembrandt) – $180 million

Pendant Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit by Rembrandt van Rijn sold together for $180 million in a landmark private sale in 2015. Originally painted in 1634, these full-length wedding portraits stand out as rare examples of Rembrandt’s work on such a grand scale. In particular, they capture the wealth and elegance of a prominent Amsterdam couple while also showcasing Rembrandt’s exceptional mastery of light, texture, and detail. Remarkably, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Louvre in Paris jointly purchased the pair, marking a unique and unprecedented international collaboration. Therefore, their historic and artistic importance cements them as priceless treasures of the Dutch Golden Age.

Image at Rembrandt portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit to be restored at Rijksmuseum – CODART

9. Les Femmes d’Alger *”Version O”* (Pablo Picasso) – $179.4 million

Les Femmes d’Alger (“Version O”) by Pablo Picasso sold for $179.4 million at a Christie’s auction in 2015, thereby becoming one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at auction. Created in 1955, the work serves as the final and most celebrated piece in Picasso’s 15-part series inspired by Eugène Delacroix’s 1834 masterpiece The Women of Algiers. With its vivid colors, bold forms, and distinctive Cubist style, Version O reflects Picasso’s tribute not only to Delacroix but also to his late friend Henri Matisse. As a result, its record-breaking price underscores Picasso’s lasting influence and the painting’s critical importance in 20th-century art history.

Image at Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Les femmes d’Alger (Version ‘O’) | Christie’s

10. Nu couché (Amedeo Modigliani) – $170.4 million

Nu couché by Amedeo Modigliani sold for $170.4 million at a Christie’s auction in 2015, thus making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold. Originally painted in 1917, the work belongs to Modigliani’s iconic reclining nude series. Notably, it is recognized for its sensual style, elongated forms, and bold use of color. At the time of its first exhibition, the painting caused a scandal due to its frank depiction of nudity. However, it is now celebrated for its modernist elegance and emotional intensity. Ultimately, Chinese billionaire Liu Yiqian purchased the painting, which further underscores its global appeal and lasting artistic significance.

Image at US$150 million Modigliani nude tipped to top season’s auction prices | South China Morning Post

This top list shows the top 10 most expensive works of art of all time.