What is the Most Expensive Price Paid for an Artwork by an Artist?
The most expensive price ever paid for an artwork by an artist is approximately US$450.3 million, which includes commission. This record was set by Leonardo da Vinci's painting, Salvator Mundi (c. 1500).
The Record-Breaking Sale of Salvator Mundi
On November 15, 2017, Leonardo da Vinci's enigmatic masterpiece, Salvator Mundi, shattered auction records when it sold for a staggering US$450.3 million at Christie's in New York. This monumental sum makes it the most expensive painting ever sold, underscoring the enduring value and scarcity of works by Old Masters, especially those by legendary figures like da Vinci. The sale price included the buyer's premium (commission), reflecting the comprehensive cost to the purchaser.
Understanding Art Market Records
It is important to distinguish between an "artist fee" in the sense of payment to a living artist for a performance, commission, or service, and the sale price of a historical artwork. The record set by Salvator Mundi falls into the latter category. These record-breaking sales occur in the secondary art market, often involving collectors, galleries, and auction houses, long after the artist's lifetime. Such sales reflect:
- Rarity: Works by legendary artists, especially those with very few known pieces, command extremely high prices.
- Provenance: The documented history of ownership and authenticity significantly adds to a work's value.
- Artistic Significance: The painting's historical, cultural, and artistic importance contributes to its desirability.
- Market Demand: The intense competition among global collectors for iconic works drives prices skyward.
While the term "artist fee" typically refers to what a living artist charges for their work or services, the provided record highlights the extraordinary value placed on a deceased artist's creation in the global art market.
Record-Breaking Artwork Sale Overview
Here's a quick look at the record-setting artwork:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Artwork | Salvator Mundi |
| Artist | Leonardo da Vinci |
| Approximate Date | c. 1500 |
| Sale Price | Approximately US$450.3 million (including commission) |
| Significance | Most expensive painting ever sold |
