Not all masterpieces of art find their place in the grand museums of the world; some are cherished by private art collectors. In recent decades, the practice of private art collection has witnessed a significant surge, leading to a considerable surge in the prices of works by renowned artists. This list seeks to highlight the most valuable paintings still held in private hands, providing estimated prices justified by factors such as provenance and sale history.
Considerations:
The objective of this list is to spotlight paintings that could realistically enter the market in the future, acknowledging that not all “private collections” may end up on the art market. An illustrative example is the Royal Collection owned by the Queen of England, where it is believed that most works are personally owned by the monarch. However, the likelihood of the Queen selling these masterpieces, especially on the open market, seems implausible, and therefore, works from this collection are not included in the following list.
Private vs. public museums:
While “privately owned” is often perceived as the opposite of “museum-owned,” it’s essential to note that many American museums and some European institutions are private entities that could potentially sell artworks. Deaccessioning, or the sale of artworks, does occur in these museums, though major institutions like the Met or MoMA have strict conditions for such actions. In Europe, the situation is complex, with notable sales by family museums but an overall reluctance to sell valuable works by private museums like the Fondation Beyeler.
Open market vs. restricted market:
The value of a painting is significantly influenced by the country where it is housed, considering export limitations imposed by some territories. Various countries impose restrictions on the export of artworks, particularly old masterpieces and ancient art. This list includes paintings with hypothetical open-market values, even if their sale to a foreign buyer is practically impossible due to export restrictions, such as Caravaggio’s “The Conversion of St Paul” from the Odescalchi Balbi collection in Rome or Brueghel’s “Haymaking” from the Lobkowicz collection in Prague.
Note: Paintings belonging to the Doria Pamphili Collection in Rome are not included in this list, as the Trust has expressed opposition to selling the most important works, including those by Velázquez, Raphael, and Caravaggio, each potentially exceeding $200 million on the open market.
Here is a compilation of the 50 most expensive masterpieces in private collections, along with their estimated values in US Dollars, click to view.
Oil on canvas, measuring 97 × 130 cm. Held in a private collection located in Qatar.
Cézanne’s series of “The Card Players,” alongside his “Bathers” and panoramic views of Mount Sainte-Victoire, is regarded as his magnum opus. In this deceptively simple composition, Cézanne amplifies volumes while diffusing perspective, creating a “proto-Cubist” effect. This particular rendition represents the final installment of the series and is currently housed in a private collection.
Regarding its estimated value: In contrast to artists like Picasso or Van Gogh, Cézanne’s major works rarely surface on the art market. “The Card Players” is widely acknowledged as the most significant Cézanne painting in private ownership. It was purportedly acquired by Qatar for a staggering $250 million in 2011. Multiple dealers reportedly made offers exceeding $200 million, all of which were declined, providing insight into the painting’s considerable value.
“The Jan Six Portrait: Rembrandt’s Masterpiece and the Enigma of Its Market Value”
The Portrait of Jan Six not only stands as Rembrandt’s most significant work in private possession but also ranks among the finest portraits, if not the very finest, of the Dutch Golden Age. In the 1650s, Rembrandt underwent a stylistic transformation, departing from the prevailing meticulousness in Dutch painting and embracing free, loose brushstrokes. This shift resulted in some of his most exceptional works, including “Aristotle with the Bust of Homer” (1653), “Bathsheba in her Bath” (1654), and the iconic “Portrait of Jan Six.” This latter piece is an intense, magnetic portrait, embodying a fully modern conception and execution marked by audacity and mastery.
Regarding the estimated value, it’s essential to acknowledge that when a significant Rembrandt enters the market, it creates an enormous impact. In 2015, the Louvre and the Rijksmuseum jointly acquired the pendant portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit for around $200 million. The same price was paid in December 2021 for Rembrandt’s “The Standard Bearer,” acquired by the Dutch State. However, even these notable acquisitions are deemed incomparable to the Jan Six Portrait, valued by art dealer Otto Naumann at “in excess of $150 million” circa 2002-2003, a period when no artwork had breached the $100 million mark. To find a comparable reference, one must harken back to 1961 when the Metropolitan Museum acquired “Aristotle with a Bust of Homer” for $2.3 million, then the highest price ever paid for a work of art. Yet, it could be ventured that even the Metropolitan Museum’s esteemed “Aristotle” pales in comparison to the Jan Six Portrait, described by Hofstede de Groot as “the finest and most expressive” of Rembrandt’s best portraits.
Note: The open market valuation of the Jan Six Portrait comes with a note of complexity. Following the controversy surrounding the 2019 sale of a Rubens drawing owned by Princess Christina, the Dutch government established a committee to devise strategies ensuring that major works of art in the Netherlands could remain in the country. However, the potential impact of this on a hypothetical sale of the Jan Six Portrait remains unclear.
Oil on canvas, measuring 68 x 57 cm. Presently held in a private collection with an undisclosed location.
The “Portrait of Doctor Gachet,” boasting two versions, with this one being the superior and more renowned of the pair, stands as perhaps the finest portrait ever crafted by Van Gogh. According to Guillermo Solana, director of the Thyssen Museum, it ranks among the “12 most important portraits in Western art.” The tale of this famous and brilliant artwork encapsulates the “Japanese buyer boom” of the late 80s and early 90s. Unfortunately, the current whereabouts of the painting are unknown, with some sources suggesting it resides in Europe, awaiting its return to the art market.
Regarding its estimated value: Originally sold for a groundbreaking $82.5 million in 1990, setting an auction record for any work of art at the time. It was subsequently resold in the late 90s for an undisclosed amount (some sources claim $90 million in 1997) to an anonymous private collector. There are indications that it may have been resold for approximately $100 million some years later.
An iconic masterpiece by a legendary artist, this painting encompasses all the elements of a true gem. It possesses the potential to be the focal point of a significant modern art museum, with only minor doubts about its provenance during the WWII era preventing it from claiming the top spot in this list.
Oil on cypress wood, measuring 237 x 189 cm. Currently housed in the Odescalchi Balbi Collection in Rome.
This artwork represents one of two paintings by Caravaggio portraying the same subject, both commissioned by Cardinal Cerasi. Crafted in 1600, the same year Caravaggio completed his acclaimed masterpiece, “The Calling of Saint Matthew,” this large painting stands as an impressive testament to the artist’s skill and vision. It holds a distinguished place among Caravaggio’s most significant works.
Regarding its estimated value: Caravaggio’s works seldom surface on the market, with suggested prices reaching as high as $100 million for less significant pieces by the artist. In 2019, a “Judith and Holofernes” with a contested attribution was offered at auction with an estimated price of approximately 170 million euros and was sold privately before the auction for an undisclosed sum. Unlike those instances, this painting is deemed a supreme masterpiece and marks the final monumental work by Caravaggio in private ownership.
Note: The open market valuation is subject to Italian export restrictions, preventing the painting from being sold to a foreign buyer.
Oil on wood, measuring 65.6 x 45.4 cm. Held in a private collection.
Leonardo da Vinci is known to have painted a “Salvator Mundi” for King Louis XII of France. Long considered lost by art experts, one of its purported “copies” was acquired by a consortium of art dealers in 2005 and subsequently reattributed (though not unanimously) to Leonardo. In late 2011, this work was featured in the exhibition “Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan” at the National Gallery in London. In November 2017, “Salvator Mundi” achieved a staggering sale price of $450.3 million (including buyer’s premium) at Christie’s New York, setting a record as the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. This remarkable price underscores the extreme rarity of paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, with fewer than 20 acknowledged as genuine works from the artist, and all the undisputed pieces residing in museum collections.
Regarding its estimated value: The willingness of collectors to pay a substantial sum for a painting with a disputed attribution is evident in the $450 million achieved at Christie’s in November 2017. This sale price was particularly surprising not only because the work had been on the market shortly before with a much lower price tag (allegedly asking for $200 million and eventually sold for “over $75 million” to Yves Bouvier in 2012, who then sold it to Dmitry Rybolovlev for $127.5 million), but also due to the skepticism of many reputable experts who remain unconvinced about its attribution. Between 2019 and 2021, conflicting reports emerged about the Louvre Museum’s stance on the painting, either supporting the attribution or rejecting it. In a cautious stance, the Museo del Prado included the “Salvator Mundi” in the category of “works attributed to or supervised by Da Vinci” during the exhibition “Leonardo and the copy of Mona Lisa” in 2021-2022, reflecting a fairly neutral position amid the ongoing debate.
Time and further technical studies will ultimately determine whether this artwork is truly an undisputed painting by the renowned artist or if it becomes the “Theranos” of the art world, revealing itself as the creation of a follower.
Oil on canvas, measuring 150 x 100 cm.
Part of the Goulandris Foundation collection in Athens.
Long concealed within the private holdings of Basil Goulandris, this Picasso artwork holds immense significance, directly tied to his masterpiece “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” acknowledged as the most pivotal painting of the 20th century.
Regarding its estimated value: Some sources have suggested that this noteworthy painting could be valued at $250 million. Such an estimate is not unwarranted, given the historical importance of Picasso’s work from 1906-07. While the Picassos sold for over $150 million (refer to separate entries) are typically later, more vibrant pieces, it’s crucial to note that a Picasso of this nature, reminiscent of “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” hasn’t appeared on the market in recent times. In essence, this painting stands as the closest counterpart to “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” in private ownership. As an indication of potential market response, consider the 2005 Sotheby’s auction of “Nu Jaune,” a small watercolor from 1907 that served as a preliminary study for “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.” It fetched $13.7 million against an initial estimate of $3-4 million.
Oil on canvas, measuring 60.5 x 50 cm. Housed in the Niarchos collection.
Vincent van Gogh’s collection of 32 self-portraits stands as some of the most instantly recognizable images in art history. Notably, the two self-portraits featuring a bandaged ear (including this one and another from the Courtauld Institute Galleries) are especially renowned, encapsulating one of the most discussed and, simultaneously, misunderstood moments in the artist’s life.
Regarding its estimated value: Acquired discreetly by the Niarchos family in the early ’90s or prior, the exact purchase price remains undisclosed. A smaller and less significant self-portrait by Van Gogh achieved a remarkable sale of $71.5 million in 1998, marking the third-highest price ever paid for a work of art at that time.
“Madonna of the Yarnwinder” (Buccleuch Madonna), c. 1499-1507 Oil on wood, measuring 48.3 x 36.9 cm. Held in the Buccleuch collection (currently on loan to the National Galleries of Scotland)
“Madonna of the Yarnwinder” (Lansdowne Madonna), c. 1499-1507 Oil on wood, measuring 50.2 x 34.6 cm. Part of a private collection in New York
A captivating debate surrounding the authenticity of a work by Leonardo da Vinci centers on the two versions of the original, purportedly lost, “Madonna dei fusi” or “Madonna of the Yarnwinder.” One version is housed in the Drumlanrig Castle collection in Scotland (stolen in 2003 and recovered in 2007), while the other was previously part of the Reford collection in Montreal, reportedly sold to an American private collector.
Regarding the estimated value: The debate around these two paintings differs from the discussions regarding the now-famous “Salvator Mundi,” with both versions of the “Madonna of the Yarnwinder” being well-known, especially the Buccleuch version. Although the attribution to Leonardo remains a subject of serious debate, critics generally agree, based on the intricate underdrawing in both paintings, that Leonardo had some level of involvement in their creation.
Oil on canvas, measuring 101.6 x 101.6 cm. Part of the Ken Griffin collection (formerly S. I. Newhouse Collection) Image © Andy Warhol / ARS New York
Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe portraits stand as some of the most iconic artworks in history. The “Shot Marilyns” consist of four square canvases, each 40 inches in size, photographed by performance artist Dorothy Podber (1932-2008) at the legendary “The Factory” in Manhattan. Among the four versions, “Orange Marilyn” is undoubtedly the most iconic.
Regarding the estimated value: In 1989, the “Red” canvas fetched $4.1 million. Nine years later, the “Orange” painting sold for $17.3 million. Another nine years down the line, the “Turquoise” canvas (the only one not shot by Dorothy Podber) reportedly sold for around $80 million. In 2018, rumors circulated that the Orange Marilyn changed hands for “over $200 million.” By 2022, one of the two blue versions (usually less appealing to the market) was auctioned for $195 million (including commissions).
Oil on canvas, measuring 138 x 138 cm. Part of the Ronald Lauder collection, currently on loan to Neue Galerie, New York.
Gustav Klimt’s portrait of “Adele Bloch-bauer I,” alongside the renowned “The Kiss,” represents the zenith of his “Golden Period.” Seized by the Nazis during World War II, the painting found its way to the National Gallery of Austria in 1948. In 2006, it was rightfully returned to Maria Altmann.
Regarding the estimated value: In 2006, this masterpiece was sold for $135 million, marking the highest price ever paid for a painting at that time. For perspective on its potential increased worth, consider that the second version of the portrait (of lesser significance than this one) fetched $88 million at Christie’s New York in 2006 and was later resold to a Chinese buyer for $150 million in 2016.
Oil on canvas, measuring 130 x 97 cm. Image: © Estate of Pablo Picasso/ARS Part of the Steven Cohen collection.
The alluring portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter, painted by Picasso in the early 1930s, particularly during his remarkable “magic year” of 1932, stand out as some of the artist’s most recognized works. This painting showcases Picasso’s lover and muse seated in a red armchair with closed eyes. The soft hues of the young woman’s body create a striking contrast against the vibrant colors of the sofa and the background wall. Notably, Picasso introduces an explicitly erotic element atop her head, a feature often interpreted by contemporary critics as a distinctly sexist element.
Regarding the estimated value: The sales history of this painting is intriguing. Initially auctioned for $48.4 million in New York at the iconic 1997 Ganz auction, it nearly went for a private sale at $139 million in 2006, but the transaction was hindered by damage inflicted by its then-owner, Steve Wynn. Eventually, in 2013, mega-collector Steve Cohen acquired it for $155 million. Will its value continue to ascend? While subjective, the perception is that “The Dream” has gained unparalleled fame among Marie-Thérèse’s portraits, surpassing even “Girl before a Mirror” from MoMA. As the centerpiece of the Tate’s major exhibition, “Picasso 1932 – Love, Fame, Tragedy,” in 2018, its newfound iconic status is likely to contribute to further appreciation. Additionally, the significant revaluation of Picasso’s major works over the last two to three decades is evident when considering “The Women of Algiers,” auctioned for $31.9 million in 1997 and later sold for $179.4 million in 2015. A recent comparison is “Woman Seated near a Window (Marie-Thérèse),” another Picasso from 1932, auctioned for $103 million in 2021, following a $45 million sale in 2013.
Oil on canvas, measuring 243.8 x 121.9 cm. Image: © Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY Currently housed in a private collection in the USA, reportedly owned by David Martínez according to some sources.
This artwork by Pollock is renowned for its distinctive drips and belongs to his pinnacle period spanning 1947 to 1950. Before its sale in 2006, the painting was part of the collections of two globally acclaimed contemporary art enthusiasts: Samuel Irving Newhouse and David Geffen.
Regarding the estimated value: Acquired for a groundbreaking $140 million in a private sale in 2006, this transaction set a record as the highest price ever paid for a painting at that time. Although there were rumors suggesting Mexican businessman David Martínez as the buyer, he later denied the acquisition. Following the donation of “Lucifer” to Stanford, “Number 5, 1948” remains Pollock’s sole undisputed masterpiece in private hands, ensuring its perpetual desirability. To gauge the appreciation in the value of Pollock’s works since the last sale of this painting, consider “Number 16, 1949,” which fetched $32.6 million in 2013, surpassing the minimum price it failed to reach in 2007. In contrast, reflect on the $200 million spent by Ken Griffin on “Number 17A,” a comparatively less significant work than “Number 5, 1948” (refer to a separate entry).
Oil on canvas, measuring 171 x 121 cm. Image: © Succession Willem de Kooning / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY Part of the Steve Cohen collection.
Between 1950 and 1953, after a period primarily focused on abstraction, Willem de Kooning produced a significant series of six expansive canvases exploring the female figure, widely regarded as his most crucial works. Originally housed in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran, this painting had to be sold following the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Regarding the estimated value: Acquired for $137.5 million in a private sale in 2006, “Woman III” stands out as a key postwar painting, according to Sandy Heller, who advised Steve Cohen on the purchase. Heller even goes so far as to claim that it is “arguably the most important postwar painting that is not in a museum.” While this assertion may be debated (artists like Pollock and Bacon also have their contenders), the significance lies in “Woman III” being the sole piece from de Kooning’s “Women” series still residing in private hands. It surpasses even “Interchange,” which fetched an astonishing $300 million in a 2015 sale (refer to a separate entry).
Oil on canvas, measuring 171 x 121 cm. Image: © Succession Willem de Kooning / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY Part of the Steve Cohen collection.
Between 1950 and 1953, following a period predominantly dedicated to abstraction, Willem de Kooning crafted a series of six expansive canvases examining the female figure, widely acclaimed as his most significant works. This particular painting was originally housed in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran until it had to be sold post the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
Concerning the estimated value: Acquired for $137.5 million in a private sale in 2006, “Woman III” is touted by Sandy Heller, an advisor to Steve Cohen during the purchase, as “arguably the most important postwar painting that is not in a museum.”2 While this assertion may be open to debate (artists like Pollock and Bacon also have contenders), the significance lies in “Woman III” being the only piece from de Kooning’s “Women” series still in a private collection. Hence, it can be deemed the artist’s most crucial work in private hands, surpassing even “Interchange” and its astounding $300 million sale in 2015 (refer to a separate entry).
Oil on canvas, measuring 101 x 77 cm. Part of a private collection located in Qatar.
“Nafea faa ipoipo?” stands as one of Paul Gauguin’s initial creations in Tahiti, notably featured on the cover of Ingo F. Walther’s biography on Gauguin. Previously under the ownership of the Rudolf Staechelin Family Trust, the painting enjoyed an extended loan period at the Kunstmuseum Basel.
Regarding its estimated value: In 2015, reports surfaced that the artwork had been sold to Qatar for $300 million1, potentially setting a record for any artwork during that period. However, in 2017, it was disclosed that the actual sale price was $210 million2, a more realistic valuation, particularly when compared to the sale of Cézanne’s “The Card Players” (refer to a separate entry).
Oil on canvas, measuring 114.6 x 192.5 cm. Currently part of the Duke of Wellington Collection, housed at Aspley House on deposit.
Historically dismissed as a mere copy, this painting underwent restoration in 2014 at the Museo del Prado, affirming its status as the original version commissioned from Titian by Philip II. Representing one of Titian’s most exquisite and sensuous “poesies,” inspired by Ovid’s Metamorphoses, the remarkable quality of this piece suggests significant involvement from Titian himself, possibly with minimal workshop intervention.
Regarding its estimated value: There are scarce sales precedents available for evaluating the worth of this masterpiece. Between 2009 and 2012, the United Kingdom successfully acquired two notable “poesies” by Titian, namely “Diana and Callisto” and “Diana and Actaeon,” for approximately £100 million1, thanks to a favorable financial arrangement with the owner. However, suggestions of prices as high as £300 million2 were circulated if the paintings were to enter the open market. In 1992, the Getty Museum obtained “Venus and Adonis” by Titian (though considered dubious then and now largely attributed to Titian’s workshop) after it was auctioned for $13.5 million3, marking one of the highest prices paid during the early 1990s recession. Going further back in time, “The Death of Actaeon” fetched an extraordinary price of £1.7 million in the 1971 auction, then among the highest ever paid for a painting.
Oil on canvas, measuring 101.6 x 101.6 cm. Part of the Niarchos collection, with an image © Andy Warhol / ARS New York.
Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe portraits stand among the most iconic artworks ever crafted. The “Shot Marilyns” consist of four square canvases, each 40 inches in size, captured by performance artist Dorothy Podber (1932-2008) at the legendary “The Factory” in Manhattan. “Red Marilyn” holds significant prominence as the second most iconic painting in the series, following the orange version.
Regarding its estimated value: In 1989, the “Red” canvas fetched $4.1 million1. Nine years later, the “Orange” painting was sold for $17.3 million2. Another nine years down the line, the “Turquoise” canvas (the sole one not shot by Dorothy Podber) was rumored to have sold for $80 million3. In 2018, reports suggested that the Orange Marilyn went for “over $200 million”4. In 2022, one of the two blue versions (typically less appealing to the market due to the background) was auctioned for $195 million5, inclusive of commissions.
Oil on canvas, measuring 125 x 178 cm. Part of the Gruppo Intesa Sanpaolo Collection.
Believed to be one of Caravaggio’s final works, possibly his last, painted in Naples around 1610. Notably distinct from his Roman period, a stylistic shift akin to “The Denial of St. Peter” in the Metropolitan Museum is evident in this painting.
Regarding its estimated value: Caravaggio’s works rarely enter the market, making them elusive for valuation. Some of his “minor” works have been suggested to command prices up to $100 million1. In 2019, a work with a questionable attribution was slated for auction with an estimated value of approximately €170 million2. It was sold privately before the auction for an undisclosed amount, likely considerably lower than its estimate3. While this painting holds significance within the artist’s career, it may not reach the same level as “The Conversion of St. Paul” from the Odescalchi Balbi collection (refer to a separate entry).
Note: open market valuation. However, due to Italian export restrictions, the painting cannot be sold to a foreign buyer.
Oil on panel, measuring 117 x 161 cm. Held in the Lobkowicz Family Collection, Prague.
“Haymaking” is part of a series of six paintings depicting the seasons, which includes renowned works like “Hunters in the Snow,” “The Gloomy Day,” and “Return of the Herd” (all housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna), along with “The Harvesters” in the Metropolitan Museum. A sixth piece from the series is believed to be lost. This particular painting is representative of the months of June and July, marking the onset of summer and the season of harvest.
Estimating its value proves to be a challenging task. There has been a scarcity of significant Bruegel pieces on the open market in recent times, with “The Wine of St. Martin’s Day” being privately acquired by the Prado Museum, unable to leave Spain1. As the sole masterpiece by Bruegel in private ownership (considering the questionable attribution of “Landscape with Christ and the Apostles at the Sea of Tiberias” and the diminutive size of “The Drunkard Pushed into the Pigsty”), determining a sale price becomes subjective. To offer a reference point, Christie’s valued “The Wedding Dance” from the Detroit Institute of Arts at between $100 million and $200 million in 20132.
Note: open market valuation. However, Czech export restrictions prevent the painting from being sold to a foreign buyer.
Oil on canvas, measuring 78 x 114 cm. Held in a private collection in Europe.
“Bal al le Moulin de la Galette” captures the vibrancy of one of the many lively gatherings at the Moulin de la Galette, a popular entertainment venue in Montmartre frequented by bohemians and artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, and Renoir himself. The artist created two versions of this masterpiece: the featured painting and a larger rendition showcased at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
In 1990, it was acquired by Ryoei Saito at Sotheby’s for $78.1 million, ranking as the second most expensive painting at that time, surpassed only by Van Gogh’s “Doctor Gachet,” also acquired by the same collector. The painting was later resold at a reduced price in a private transaction in 1998. While the decline in value raises questions about future sales, it’s essential to note that “pure” Impressionist works haven’t experienced the same surge in popularity as modern or contemporary pieces. However, exceptional masterpieces, such as this Renoir, always attract interest at the highest level. Recent auction results, like Monet surpassing $100 million and Manet’s “Le Printemps” selling for $65 million, indicate a robust market. This painting, often considered Renoir’s only masterpiece in private hands, stands as an iconic representation of Impressionism. Drawing parallels with Seurat’s “Les Poseuses, Ensemble,” which sold for almost $150 million in 2022, both paintings represent smaller versions of absolute masterpieces, with this Renoir being more widely recognized and larger in scale than the Seurat work.
Oil on canvas, measuring 162 x 132 cm. Held in a private collection. Images © Estate of Pablo Picasso/ ARS.
“Nude, Green Leaves and Bust” stands as one of Picasso’s most renowned portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter, crafted during his “miraculous year” in 1932. This painting can be viewed as a “double portrait” of Marie-Thérèse, featuring her as a sensually reclining figure and, at the top, in a bust rendered in white tones that emulate plaster’s texture.
The painting achieved a groundbreaking sale of $106.5 million at Christie’s New York in May 2010, marking the highest auction price for a painting at that time (without adjusting for inflation). Considering the substantial increase in the valuation of Picasso’s 1932 works, exemplified by “Le Rêve” selling for $155 million in 2013 (see separate entry, a work of comparable or greater significance to this painting), and notably, a less significant piece, “Woman Seated near a Window (Marie-Therese),” auctioning for $103 million in 2021 after a $45 million sale in 2013, it’s evident that the current value of “Nude, Green Leaves and Bust” surpasses $150 million.
Oil on canvas, measuring 190 x 275 cm. Part of the Ronald Lauder collection.
The seven monumental “Compositions” created by Kandinsky in the years leading up to the First World War stand as pivotal works within the artistic avant-garde of the last century. Boasting an impressive scale and intricate complexity, this piece is crucial for grasping the evolution of abstraction in modern art, positioning itself as one of the inaugural abstract paintings of the 20th century.
Originally sold for $40-50 million in a private sale in 1998, no other Kandinsky of comparable significance has been available on the market in recent times. The substantial surge in value witnessed by modern art over the past two decades implies that if this artwork were to be sold today, its price would undoubtedly multiply. Predicting the extent of this increase is challenging, given the absence of a comparable Kandinsky of such importance in recent market transactions. “Composition V” holds a pivotal status in modern art, surpassing the significance of any Pollock or Rothko, and could serve as the centerpiece for any noteworthy modern art collection globally, be it public or private.
Pastel on board, measuring 79 x 59 cm. Part of the Leon Black Collection.
“The Scream” stands as undeniably one of the most renowned paintings globally, an emblem of modern art that has evolved into an icon of distress and unease. Edvard Munch crafted four versions of this masterpiece (one in oil, one in tempera, and two in pastels), with the most renowned version housed in the National Gallery in Oslo. The featured work is the sole remaining version held in private ownership.
Acquired for $119.9 million in 2012, setting an auction record at the time, the sale price was perceived as surprisingly modest considering the iconic stature of the artwork. In the weeks leading up to the auction, some experts speculated that the piece could command $200 million, while British bookmakers positioned a sale price between $150 million and $200 million as the most probable outcome.
Oil on canvas, measuring 198 x 442.5 cm. Part of the Esther Grether Collection in Switzerland.
This monumental triptych, part of the artist’s trio of “Black Triptychs” and the sole remaining piece in private ownership, serves as a poignant memorial to George Dyer—Francis Bacon’s model and lover—who tragically succumbed to suicide through an overdose of alcohol and barbiturates. The “Black Triptychs” stand as posthumous tributes to Dyer, reflecting Bacon’s profound awareness of mortality.
Originally sold in 1989 for $6.3 million, establishing a record for the artist at that time, Bacon’s market value has soared in the ensuing years. His “Three Studies of Lucian Freud” briefly held the title of the most expensive painting in history when it fetched $142 million in a 2013 auction. “Triptych: May-June 1973” remains emotionally charged and is regarded as the artist’s paramount work in private hands—a masterpiece within the realm of postwar art.
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Pablo Picasso – Boy with a Pipe – 1905 Oil on canvas, measuring 100 x 81.3 cm. Part of a private collection. In John Richardson’s biography of Picasso, he identifies the smoking youth in this painting as “P’tit Louis,” a local actor who passed away at a very young age. This portrait, a notable piece from Picasso’s Rose Period, holds significance in the auction world. Although the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, some sources suggest Guido Barilla, the Italian pasta magnate. Originally sold for $104.1 million in New York in 2004, setting an auction record with a pre-sale estimate of approximately $70 million, the painting holds a distinct place in art history. While its importance may not surpass that of “Les Noces de Pierrette,” its exceptional state of preservation, combined with the mystique of being, at the time, the most expensive painting ever auctioned (without adjusting for inflation), could arguably make it the most valuable painting from Picasso’s Blue and Rose Periods in private hands. |
Note: The estimate provided is for each of the paintings.
Two oil on canvas, each measuring 101.6 x 101.6 cm. Title: Shot Blue Marilyn
- Brandt Collection
- Private Collection (formerly Ammann Collection)
Warhol’s iconic portraits of Marilyn Monroe stand among the most renowned artworks ever created. The “Shot Marilyns” consist of four square canvases, each 40 inches on a side, captured by performance artist Dorothy Podber (1932-2008) at the legendary “The Factory” in Manhattan.
About the estimate: “Shot Blue Marilyn” was auctioned in 2022 for $195 million (including commissions)1. This can be compared to the 2018 sale of the orange version for “over $200 million”2, illustrating the market’s inclination toward versions featuring vibrant backgrounds.
Oil on canvas, 200.7 x 175.7 cm. Image: © Succession Willem de Kooning / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY Ken Griffin Collection
Following his “Women” series from 1950-1953, Willem de Kooning returned to pure abstraction, revisiting the experimentation of the late 1940s and creating notable compositions like “Gotham News” (Albright-Knox Art Gallery), “Police Gazette” (private collection), and the featured artwork.
About the estimate: Initially sold for $20.6 million in 19891 (then an auction record for a contemporary painting), it later set a record when acquired by billionaire collector Ken Griffin for $300 million2 in 2016. While determining the value of art carries subjective elements, the high price paid is challenging to justify. In terms of historical significance, De Kooning’s post-“Women” works do not mark a pivotal shift in art history. Despite being possibly his most significant abstract piece in private hands, other notable examples, like “Police Gazette” purchased by Mr. Cohen for $63 million in 20063, or “The Time of the Fire” (refer to a separate entry for this work), add to the exclusivity of De Kooning’s abstract creations.
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Oil on canvas, 300 x 450 cm. Image: © Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY Private Collection A monumental Rothko work, previously part of Rachel Mellon’s collection, comparable in both dimensions and significance to the renowned “Untitled” piece housed in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. About the estimate: Privately sold in 2014 alongside another Rothko and a Diebenkorn. Various sources suggest a price range of approximately $250-300 million1 for the group, with some indicating a specific valuation of $125 million for this painting in 20102. Other reports mention a value of $150 million before its sale3. According to David Anfam, the author of Rothko’s first catalog volume, this painting stands out as a “classic” Rothko, distinguished by its epic dimensions, unlike its Guggenheim counterpart in Bilbao, which is more intricate. |
Oil on canvas, 82 x 57 cm (Bridgewater Madonna) Oil on canvas, Diameter: 101 cm (The Holy Family with a Palm Tree) Duke of Sutherland Collection (on loan to the National Gallery of Scotland)
Raphael’s most exquisite Madonnas, exemplified by the “Bridgewater Madonna,” stand as iconic representations of the Italian Renaissance. The straightforward yet powerful composition and the graceful countenance of the Virgin are truly captivating. In “The Holy Family with a Palm Tree,” the figures and landscape exhibit the influence of Leonardo da Vinci.
About the estimation: Both paintings are grouped together, as the subsequent considerations apply to each. “Madonna of the Pinks,” another smaller Madonna by the same artist (with a consensus on attribution), was acquired by the UK for 35 million pounds in 20041. No significant painting unanimously attributed to Raphael has surfaced in the market for at least five decades, suggesting an exceptionally high market value for any such work (with unquestioned attributions2). For comparison, a drawing by the artist titled “Muse’s Head” was auctioned for $47.9 million3 in December 2009.
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Oil on canvas, 121.9 x 121.9 cm. Image: © Succession Roy Lichtenstein / ARS New York Private collection (formerly Stefan Edlis Collection) The woman portrayed in this painting, with her blonde hair, blue eyes, and melancholic gaze, epitomizes the essence of Roy Lichtenstein’s work. About the estimate: Acquired in 1980 for $210,0001, marking a record for Lichtenstein at that time. A work of comparable significance, though arguably somewhat less iconic, titled “Masterpiece,” reportedly sold from Agnes Gund to Steve Cohen for $165 million in 20172 (refer to separate entry). Another painting from Lichtenstein’s series of female portraits in the 1964 48 x 48-inch format, “Nurse,” went to auction in 2015, fetching $95.4 million3. Nevertheless, “Oh, Jeff…” stands out as a more iconic and representative piece. |
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Oil on canvas, 60 x 92 cm. Liu Yiqian collection, China (on loan to the Long Museum) Modigliani’s reclining nudes stand out as some of his most renowned and significant works. This particular painting is acknowledged as one of the most accomplished among them, even gracing the cover of various publications dedicated to the artist. About the estimate: Fetching $170.4 million at Christie’s in 20151, it became the second most expensive painting ever auctioned at that time. The subsequent sale of “Nu couché (sur le côté gauche)” for $157 million (refer to separate entry) further affirmed the tremendous collector interest in Modigliani’s depictions of female nudes. |
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Oil on canvas, 114 x 156 cm. image: © Estate of Pablo Picasso/ ARS Collection of Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani In the latter part of his career, Pablo Picasso embarked on several series reinterpreting masterpieces, including “Las Meninas” by Velázquez or “The Women of Algiers” by Eugène Delacroix. On the latter theme, Picasso created fifteen canvases, each identified with a letter of the alphabet. This “O” version stands out as the last and most elaborate of the series. About the estimate: Initially sold for $31,902,500 in 19971. Later, in May 20152, it achieved a staggering auction record for a work of art, fetching $179.4 million. The rationale behind such high prices for this work may be elusive. By 1955, Picasso, arguably one of the most significant painters of all time, had transitioned away from his groundbreaking cubist innovations and surrealist experiments, as well as the sensuality of his interwar works. Instead, he embraced reinterpretations of older works in a style that had become outdated. Nevertheless, the painting’s value is ultimately determined by what someone is willing to pay for it, and in 2015, the market resoundingly affirmed its status as one of Picasso’s most valuable works in private hands. |
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Oil on canvas, 80 x 145 cm. Private collection, Asia This significant painting is a part of Klimt’s “golden period,” alongside the more renowned “The Kiss” and “Adele Bloch-Bauer I.” Confiscated by the Nazis during World War II, it was later given to Gustav Ucicky, believed to be an illegitimate son of Klimt. About the estimate: Acquired by Yves Bouvier for $112 million in 20131, it was subsequently sold for $187 million to Dmitri Rybolovlev2. Thereafter, it potentially changed hands again to an Asian buyer for $170 million3. Although Bouvier’s transactions with Rybolovlev may not serve as a benchmark for reasonable market values, the subsequent sale to an Asian buyer underscores the painting’s immense worth. |
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Oil on canvas, 288 x 497 cm and 289 x 515 cm Prince of Liechtenstein Collection, displayed at the Liechtenstein Museum Rubens, often hailed as “the Homer of painting,” stood out as the most grandiloquent and prolific of Baroque masters. His series portraying the life of the Roman consul Decius Mus stands as his inaugural pictorial cycle and is now recognized as one of his supreme artistic accomplishments (Reinhold Baumstark termed them “one of the greatest glories of the Liechtenstein collection”). Acquired by the Prince of Liechtenstein in 1693, this collection has remained in the princely possession ever since. “The Death of Decius Mus” and “The Funeral of Decius Mus” represent the concluding canvases in this cycle, boasting both the largest dimensions and unquestionably the most heightened narrative tension. About the estimate: There is no modern market precedent for Rubens’ works of this magnitude. However, the prices fetched by two smaller-scale works can provide insight into the extraordinary value of these paintings. “The Massacre of the Innocents” (1611-1612, 148 x 182 cm) commanded £49.5 million1 ($86 million) in July 2002 (then among the highest prices ever paid for a painting), while “Lot and His Daughters” (1613-1614, 190 x 225 cm) garnered £44.9 million2 ($58.1 million) in July 2016. These monumental, striking works, with impeccable provenance, would undoubtedly be star pieces in any collection of Old Master paintings, be it public or private. |
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Oil on canvas, 101.6 x 101.6 cm. Steven Cohen Collection Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe portraits stand as iconic masterpieces in the art world. “Turquoise Marilyn” is part of a set of five Marilyn portraits painted by Warhol in the 40 x 40-inch format. Dorothy Podber (1932-2008), a performance artist, captured the shots for four of them at the renowned “The Factory” in Manhattan, now recognized as the “Shot Marilyns.” Notably, “Turquoise Marilyn” is the only piece in the series not photographed. Regarding the estimate: it changed hands in 2007 for an estimated price around $80 million1. In 2022, “Shot Blue Marilyn” fetched $195 million2 at auction (inclusive of commissions). Given the market’s appetite for iconic pieces, its distinction as the only painting in the series not part of the “Shot Marilyns” group might influence its valuation relative to the other four paintings. |
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Oil on canvas, 40 x 31 cm. Private collection Considered by some historians as Vincent van Gogh’s final self-portrait (while others contend the self-portrait in the Musée d’Orsay is later), this artwork was a gift to his mother. Regarding the estimate: it changed hands for $71.5 million in New York in 19981, ranking among the five most expensive paintings ever auctioned at that time. Since then, no Van Gogh self-portrait has reappeared on the market. |
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Oil on canvas, 200 x 370 cm image: © Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY Private collection Renowned pop art maestro Andy Warhol, famous for crafting multiple versions of his creations, deviated from this norm with his “Elvis” paintings. While producing 22 canvases featuring the image of “Double Elvis,” he uniquely crafted only one canvas portraying eight Elvises, bestowing exceptional significance upon this artwork. Estimation details: Privately sold for $100 million in 20081 (formerly part of the Annibale Berlingieri collection). As the largest canvas within Warhol’s “Elvises” series, it stands as an exceptionally valuable and distinctive piece. For reference, a more conventional “Triple Elvis” fetched nearly $82 million in a 20142 auction. |
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Oil on canvas, 190 x 120 cm. Private collection, China. This is the second rendition of the renowned “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I,” created five years after the original. In a highly successful auction, four works by Klimt, including this captivating canvas, achieved an astonishing total of $192 million. Estimation details: Auctioned for $88 million in New York, 20061. The “Adele Bloch-Bauer I” (currently housed at the Neue Galerie in New York) was sold for $135 million earlier that year. Acquired by a Chinese buyer for $150 million in 20162. It seems improbable that the initial version of the painting will reappear in the market (although theoretically possible), given its historical significance and prominence. |
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Oil on canvas, 73 x 58 cm. Private collection “Sunflowers” stand as some of Van Gogh’s most iconic images, bearing fundamental importance to the artist himself (“The sunflower is mine, in a way,” he expressed). “Vase with three sunflowers” marks Van Gogh’s initial venture into the creation of “sunflower” paintings, excluding a series of less expressive works produced by the artist in Paris in 1887. Estimation details: Acquired by the tycoon and collector Georges Embiricos for 4.7 million francs (£600,000) in 19701, an extraordinary price for that era. While offered to the Getty in 1996, it ultimately found a home with a private collector for an undisclosed price2. Serving as a reference for the significance of the “Sunflowers” series, note that “Vase with Fourteen Sunflowers” (see separate entry) took center stage in one of the most momentous auctions in art history, fetching nearly $40 million in 19873, tripling the preceding record for a work of art. Despite this version’s relative simplicity compared to the painting currently residing in Japan, it holds the distinction of being the inaugural piece in this noteworthy series. |
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Oil on canvas, 137.2 x 137.2 cm Image: © Succession Roy Lichtenstein / ARS New York Steve Cohen Collection “Masterpiece” stands as one of Roy Lichtenstein’s most identifiable paintings, crafted one year after his “Look Mickey” and one year prior to “Whaam!”, widely regarded as his most renowned works. Estimation details: Acquired by Steve Cohen for a reported $165 million in 20171, the painting adds significant value to the collector’s esteemed art collection. |
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Oil on canvas, 79 x 65 cm. Duke of Buccleuch, Drumlanrig Castle One of Rembrandt’s renowned late works, characterized by its boldness and intimacy, captures an enigmatic play of light and shadow, as if the elderly woman depicted is literally illuminated by the book she engages with. Estimation details: Similar to the “Portrait of Jan Six” painted a year prior, which was valued around 2003 by Otto Naumann “at more than $150 million”1 (a figure that likely would have doubled in today’s market), this painting, though not surpassing the exceptional level of the former, holds significant value. Created during Rembrandt’s peak in his late period and boasting an impeccable provenance, it aligns with the substantial worth of Rembrandt’s masterpieces, exemplified by the Dutch State’s acquisition of “The Standard Bearer” for approximately $200 million2 in 2021. |
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Oil on canvas, 84 x 146 cm. Private collection “Nu couché (sur le côté gauche)” stands as Modigliani’s most expansive painting, uniquely encompassing the entire figure within the canvas among his renowned nudes. Estimation details: Auctioned for $26.9 million at Christie’s New York in November 20031, the painting later achieved a remarkable $157.2 million at Sotheby’s New York in May 20182. Its distinction as the largest of Modigliani’s “Nudes” ensures its perpetual desirability in the art market. |
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Oil on canvas, 178 x 125 cm. Collection Banca Popolare di Vicenza A creation from Caravaggio’s “Roman period,” showcasing the artist’s distinctive chiaroscuro technique. Another rendition of the same subject, also by Caravaggio, is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Estimation details: Caravaggio’s works are exceedingly rare on the market, with valuations soaring to as much as $100 million1 for some of his “minor” works. In 2019, a questionably attributed piece was slated for auction with an estimated value of approximately €170 million2, eventually selling before the event for an undisclosed amount, likely below the estimate3. The painting’s attribution, labeled as “questionable” by experts like Gash (2001) and Puglisi (1998)4, tempers the potential valuation, which might otherwise surpass $200 million. Note: Open market valuation. However, Italian export restrictions prevent the sale to a foreign buyer. |
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Note: The estimated price pertains to each of the works. Oil on canvas, Henry and Rose Pearlman, New York (first) Private collection (second) These two pieces stand out as exceptional depictions of Mount Sainte-Victoire painted by Cézanne, akin to the selection by theartwolf.com as one of the 50 masterworks of painting. Cézanne’s series, alongside “The Card Players” and “Bathers,” is widely regarded as his paramount achievement, exerting a profound influence on the cubism of Picasso and Braque. Much like Hokusai in his “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” Cézanne employed diverse viewpoints in his “Montagne Sainte-Victoire” paintings, allowing for a comprehensive representation of the mountain’s surroundings. Estimation details: Lesser examples from this series fetched $100 million in 20141 and $137.8 million in 20222. However, these two canvases are supreme masterpieces, standing among the finest examples in the entire series. |
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Oil on canvas, 91 x 69 cm. Collection Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza – on deposit at Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. This captivating painting, created just a year after Gauguin’s arrival in Tahiti, stands as one of the few masterpieces by the artist still held in private hands. About the estimate: Acquired for $24.2 million in 19891, marking an auction record for the artist at that time (Gauguin’s current auction record is $105.7 million for “Maternité II” in 20222). However, “Nafea faa ipoipo?” achieved a remarkable $210 million (initial reports suggested $300 million) when sold to the Qatar Museums in 20153. Valuations for this painting vary, with some sources suggesting a figure as low as 40 million euros4 (deemed remarkably low), while others claim offers reaching 250 million euros5, which appears rather exaggerated. An auction house has mentioned a potential valuation of 150 million euros6, which seems comparatively more reasonable. |
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Oil on canvas, 198 x 442.5 cm. Image: © The Estate of Francis Bacon Elaine Wynn collection This expansive triptych by Francis Bacon captures another luminary of his generation, Lucian Freud. As described by Francis Outred from Christie’s, the artwork serves as “a conversation between two masters of 20th-century figurative painting, (…) paying homage to the creative and emotional kinship between the two artists.” About the estimate: Achieved a staggering $142.4 million in November 20131, securing an auction record for any work of art (not accounting for inflation). |
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Oil on canvas, 144 x 91 cm. Duke of Westminster collection Diego Velázquez’s “Prince Baltasar Carlos on Horseback” exudes the grandeur expected in a remarkable Baroque painting. This is a notably fine Velázquez piece, arguable as his sole masterpiece remaining in private hands, and it possesses the potential to be the centerpiece of any major museum provided the Duke of Westminster can be persuaded to part with it. About the estimate: Velázquez’s works appearing on the market are exceedingly rare. The only “great” Velázquez sold in “recent” times is “Juan de Pareja,” acquired by the Metropolitan in 1971 for $5.5 million1, then the most valuable painting sold at auction. However, some doubts regarding the attribution of the work2 may impact its estimation. |
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Oil on canvas, 71 x 90.5 cm. Private collection A powerful masterpiece by the artist, painted in Saint-Rémy in December 1889. This work was prominently featured by the artist in his exhibition at “Les XX 1890” in Brussels. About the estimate: Sold for a then-impressive $9.9 million in 19851 (the highest price for any artwork that year). For context, another Arles landscape by Van Gogh, “L’Allée des Alyscamps,” was auctioned in the same year for $2.4 million2 and sold in 2015 for $66.3 million3. On the other hand, another landscape in a similar style (though much less expressive and significant) by the artist (“Laboureur dans un champ”), also painted in 1889, was auctioned for $81.3 million in 2017. |
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Oil on canvas, 116 x 89 cm Private collection Another significant Picasso from 1907, the pivotal year in which Picasso completed “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” the painting that revolutionized the art of the 20th century. About the estimate: A highly important painting with an excellent provenance, having been in the collection of Viscount and Viscountess Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles for over 50 years1, it is not, however, as sought-after as the Picasso from the Goulandris Collection. Regarding the work in the Goulandris collection, the example of the small watercolor “Nu Jaune,” which sold for $13.7 million2 against a pre-sale estimate of only $3-4 million, is indicative of the immense value of works from this “Picassian” period. |
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Oil on canvas, 73 x 92 cm Private collection, New York Paul Cézanne, the most significant of the post-impressionists, crafted some of his most captivating compositions within the still life genre, with this painting standing out as one of the most intricate and masterful examples. About the estimate: acquired in a private sale for $50 million in 1996 or 1997, then ranking among the top five highest prices ever paid for a painting. In many aspects, it is a more intricate and captivating artwork compared to “Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier,” which was sold three years later for $65 million2 (see separate entry). |
