10 Most Expensive Contemporary Artworks Ever Sold and Their Stories

By Elena Fontaine, France

Discover the contemporary masterpieces that have fetched astronomical prices at auctions, and learn the fascinating stories behind them.

1. Interchange by Willem de Kooning - $300 Million

This abstract expressionist piece sold privately in 2015. It's celebrated for its dynamic brushwork and is considered a pivotal work in de Kooning's career.

2. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne - $250 Million
Purchased by the Royal Family of Qatar in 2011, this painting is part of a series depicting Provençal peasants engaged in card games, reflecting Cézanne's shift towards modernism.

3. Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) by Paul Gauguin - $210 Million
This 1892 painting showcases Gauguin's time in Tahiti, capturing the exotic beauty and cultural nuances of the island.

4. No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) by Mark Rothko - $186 Million
A prime example of Rothko's color field paintings, this work evokes deep emotional responses through its layered hues.

5. Number 17A by Jackson Pollock - $200 Million
Pollock's drip painting symbolizes the peak of abstract expressionism, embodying spontaneity and movement.

6. Les Femmes d'Alger (Version O) by Pablo Picasso - $179.4 Million
This piece is the final work in a series inspired by Delacroix, reflecting Picasso's fascination with Orientalism and his cubist style.

7. Rabbit by Jeff Koons - $91.1 Million
This stainless-steel sculpture combines pop culture and high art, exemplifying Koons' commentary on consumerism.

8. Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) by David Hockney - $90.3 Million
Hockney's iconic painting explores themes of observation and relationship dynamics, set against a Californian backdrop.

9. Balloon Dog (Orange) by Jeff Koons - $58.4 Million
Another of Koons' works, this sculpture plays with scale and material to transform a simple balloon animal into a monumental piece.

10. Untitled by Jean-Michel Basquiat - $110.5 Million
Basquiat's powerful piece reflects his raw expression and commentary on race and identity, solidifying his impact on contemporary art.

These artworks not only represent significant financial value but also embody the innovative spirit of contemporary art, each with a unique story that contributes to their legendary status.