1. Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi"
This painting is widely considered one of the most famous works by Leonardo da Vinci, created in 1500. It depicts Jesus Christ as the Savior of the World and is known for its incredible level of detail and realism. Sold at auction in 2017 for $450.3 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid per square inch ($35.4 million per square inch). The painting was also owned by King Charles I of England before being sold to an anonymous buyer.
2. Vincent van Gogh's "Portrait of Dr. Gachet"
This portrait was painted in 1890 by Vincent van Gogh, one of the most iconic artists of all time. It is widely considered one of the most valuable paintings ever sold at auction. Sold at auction in 1990 for $82.5 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid for a painting at auction by a single buyer. The painting was purchased by a Canadian art collector named Leonard A. Lauder.
3. Pablo Picasso's "Les Femmes d'Alger (Version O)"
This painting is one of a series of 15 works by Pablo Picasso created in 1955, inspired by Eugene Delacroix's "Women of Algiers". It depicts a group of women from the traditional Algerian harem and features a unique blend of European and North African influences. Sold at auction in 2015 for $179.4 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid for a Picasso painting at auction by a single buyer. The painting was sold to an anonymous collector.
4. Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring"
This painting is one of the most iconic works by Johannes Vermeer, created in 1665. It depicts a young girl with a large pearl earring and is known for its incredible level of detail and realism. Sold at auction in 2004 for $30.8 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid per square inch ($2.3 million per square inch). The painting was purchased by an anonymous buyer.
5. Willem de Kooning's "Woman III"
This abstract expressionist painting was created by Willem de Kooning in 1950-52. It depicts a woman with bold, gestural brushstrokes and is known for its incredible level of energy and emotion. Sold at auction in 2006 for $389 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid per square inch ($20.8 million per square inch). The painting was sold to an anonymous buyer.
6. Paul Cézanne's "The Card Players"
This painting is one of a series of paintings by Paul Cézanne created in 1890-92, depicting two friends playing cards. It features a unique blend of Post-Impressionist and Realist styles and is known for its incredible level of detail and realism. Sold at auction in 2011 for $250 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid by a single buyer for a Cézanne painting. The painting was sold to an anonymous buyer.
7. Claude Monet's "Meules"
This painting is one of a series of paintings by Claude Monet created in 1890-92, depicting a stack of wheat stalks. It features a unique blend of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist styles and is known for its incredible level of detail and realism. Sold at auction in 2019 for $110.7 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid by a single buyer for a Monet painting. The painting was sold to an anonymous buyer.
8. Francis Bacon's "Three Studies of Lucian Freud"
This triptych is one of three paintings by Francis Bacon created in 1969-70, depicting his friend and fellow artist Lucian Freud. It features a unique blend of Expressionist and Realist styles and is known for its incredible level of detail and realism. Sold at auction in 2013 for $142.4 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid by a single buyer for a Bacon painting. The painting was sold to an anonymous buyer.
9. Amedeo Modigliani's "Reclining Nude"
This painting is one of several works by Amedeo Modigliani created in 1917-18, depicting a reclining nude figure. It features a unique blend of Post-Impressionist and Expressionist styles and is known for its incredible level of detail and realism. Sold at auction in 2015 for $170.4 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid by a single buyer for a Modigliani painting. The painting was sold to an anonymous collector.
10. Wilton Whitted's "The Black Knight"
This painting is one of several works by Wilton Whitted created in 2017-18, depicting a knight in armor. It features a unique blend of abstract and surrealist styles and is known for its incredible level of detail and realism. Sold at auction in 2022 for $200 million, it holds the record for the highest price paid per square inch ($15.4 million per square inch). The painting was sold to an anonymous buyer.