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Did You Know?
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- Fresco is a technique of mural painting executed upon freshly laid
lime plaster. It's an ancient technique where pigments—mixed with water—are applied directly onto wet lime plaster. As the plaster sets, the paint becomes an integral
part of the wall surface, creating a long-lasting and vibrant image. The word fresco itself comes from the Italian affresco, meaning “fresh,” which refers to the fresh plaster used during application. This method was famously used in
Renaissance masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. Because the artist has to work quickly before the plaster dries, fresco painting demands both skill and speed—a real-time race against the wall, so to speak.
- Gouache paint is similar to watercolor but modified to make it opaque.
It's like watercolor’s bolder, more extroverted cousin. Both are water-based, but gouache contains a higher pigment load and often has added chalk or white pigment, giving it that opaque, velvety finish. When dry, it tends to have a matte look,
which makes it especially appealing for illustrators and designers who want vivid, flat areas of color. It’s also wonderfully forgiving—unlike traditional watercolor, which stains the paper and is tough to fix, gouache can be reactivated
with water, touched up, and layered more easily.
- Photorealism is the genre of painting based on using cameras and photographs to gather visual information and then from this creating a painting that appears to be
photographic. It's all about precision—artists use photographs as reference material and then meticulously replicate those images using traditional painting or drawing
techniques, often at a hyper-detailed level. The movement took off in the late 1960s and early ’70s as a response to both Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism. Artists like Chuck Close, Richard Estes, and Audrey Flack became pioneers
of this style, pushing the boundaries of what painting could emulate.
- Oil painting, which is the process of painting with pigments that are bound with a medium of drying oil, was first used in Western Afghanistan.
Though it might surprise many, the earliest known use of oil-based paint was discovered not in Renaissance Europe, but in the Bamiyan caves of western Afghanistan, dating back to the 7th century AD. These ancient murals, hidden behind the
now-destroyed giant Buddha statues, were created using pigments bound with drying oils like walnut and poppy seed. The technique was remarkably sophisticated, involving multiple layers and even the use of resins—centuries before oil painting
became widespread in Europe.
- The world's most expensive painting "Salvator Mundi" ($450.3m)
is authentic Leonardo. The authenticity of Salvator Mundi as a work by Leonardo
da Vinci remains a subject of intense debate among scholars and experts, citing technical analysis, stylistic elements, and the use of rare pigments like lapis lazuli as strong indicators of his hand. A 2021 study by Louvre
experts suggested that key elements, such as Christ’s hands and arms, were likely added later and not part of Leonardo’s original composition. While Salvator Mundi holds the record for the most expensive painting ever sold,
its full authorship remains unresolved in the art world.
- Gerard Sekoto (South Africa) is considered one of the fathers of modern South African art, and is known for blending Western techniques with African themes,
his 1956 sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II made headlines, but his paintings are equally revered. A visionary of township life, his contribution to South African art is both foundational and deeply poignant. Born in 1913, he was a
self-taught artist whose work vividly captured the rhythm and hardship of township life under apartheid. His paintings brim with empathy, often depicting street scenes, families, and musicians in places like Sophiatown and District Six.
Sekoto was also an accomplished musician, and his art often carried a lyrical quality—almost as if the visuals echoed the soulful notes of jazz and marabi he so loved. When he went into exile in Paris in 1947, he became the first
Black South African artist to gain international recognition, though his political stance and personal struggles made for a complex life abroad.
- Ernest Mancoba (South Africa) is a pioneer of abstract art, his work bridges African spirituality and European modernism. He was a trailblazer whose art forged a
profound dialogue between African spiritual philosophy and European modernist abstraction. His paintings and drawings often feature totemic, central figures rendered in delicate lines and diffused color—visual echoes of the umuntu
philosophy: “a person is a person through other people.” This belief in interconnected humanity infused his work with a quiet, spiritual resonance. Born in Johannesburg in 1904, Mancoba left South Africa in 1938 to escape the constraints
of apartheid and pursue artistic freedom in Paris. There, he became the first Black South African artist to fully embrace abstraction, a radical move at a time when Black artists were often expected to produce ethnographic or
representational work. Mancoba later became associated with the CoBrA movement in Europe, though his contributions were often overlooked. Only after apartheid ended did his work receive major retrospectives in South Africa,
honoring his unique synthesis of cultural identity and modernist form.
- Ben Enwonwu (Nigeria) is known for blending Western techniques with African themes, his 1956 bronze sculpture of Queen Elizabeth II was a landmark moment in both art
and postcolonial history. The Queen sat for Enwonwu 12 times in 1957—first at Buckingham Palace, then at a studio in Maida Vale, London. He created preparatory sketches in watercolor and a bust to refine her pose and regalia. The final statue,
over life-sized, depicted her seated with hands in her lap, exuding regal dignity while subtly incorporating African sculptural aesthetics. When it was unveiled at the Royal Society of British Artists exhibition in 1957, critics praised
its blend of classical portraiture and modern African expression.
- Aina Onabolu (Nigeria) introduced Western-style portraiture to Nigeria in the early 20th century and is considered as the father of Nigerian modern art.
He is a towering figure in the history of Nigerian art. Born in 1882 in Ijebu-Ode, Onabolu boldly pursued formal training in Europe, studying at the Académie Julian in Paris and St. John’s Wood Art School in London. He returned to
Nigeria in the 1920s armed with academic techniques, he proved that Africans could master and innovate within Western artistic traditions. Onabolu's refined portraiture —like the celebrated Portrait of Lady Spencer Savage —
challenged colonial stereotypes and helped legitimize fine art in Nigeria.
- Chinese ink and watercolor painters are known for their intricate and detailed works, the notable artists are Qi Baishi and Wu Guanzhong, who have redefined classical ink painting. Qi Baishi's paintings remain highly valuable in the
art market. Prices vary depending on the piece, but recent auction results show that his works can sell for anywhere between $1,000 to several million dollars. Some of his most sought-after paintings, like Eagle Standing on Pine Tree,
have sold for over $65 million in past auctions. Wu Guanzhong's paintings are highly valued in the art market, with prices varying depending on the piece, rarity, and demand. His works have been sold at auction for anywhere between
thousands to several million dollars; in 2024, his total auction turnover was $27 million, ranking him among the top-selling artists.
- Qi Baishi (1864–1957) was a renowned Chinese painter known for his expressive and whimsical style. Born into a peasant family in Xiangtan, Hunan, he taught himself to paint and later became one of China's most celebrated artists.
His works often depict nature, including animals, plants, and landscapes, with a distinctive freehand brushwork style. Qi Baishi's art is admired for its simplicity, spontaneity, and deep connection to traditional Chinese aesthetics.
His legacy continues to influence modern Chinese painting. Some of his famous paintings include:
- Shrimp – A series of paintings showcasing his mastery of ink wash techniques.
- Flowers and Birds – Delicate yet vibrant depictions of flora and fauna.
- Insects and Small Creatures – Playful and detailed representations of everyday life.
- Wu Guanzhong (1919–2010) was a pioneering Chinese painter known for blending traditional Chinese ink painting with Western modernist techniques. He is widely regarded as a founder of modern Chinese painting, incorporating elements
of Fauvism and Impressionism into his work. His paintings often depict landscapes, architecture, and nature, with a distinctive style that emphasizes bold colors and expressive brushwork. Wu Guanzhong's legacy continues to influence
contemporary Chinese artists, and his works are highly sought after in the art market. Some of his notable works include:
- Tree Roots – A dynamic composition showcasing his mastery of form and movement.
- A Corner of a Garden (By the Lake) – A serene oil painting that sold for HK$14,895,000 at auction.
- Woods and a Spring – A striking ink and color painting that also fetched a high price at auction.
- Hong Kong has a dynamic conceptual art scene, with artists pushing boundaries in abstract and thought-provoking ways. The country has a rich artistic heritage, with many painters making significant contributions to the local
and international art scene. Some of the most notable conceptual artists and painting artists include:
- Paul Chan – Known for his multimedia installations and politically charged works.
- Kwok Mang Ho (Frog King) – A pioneer of Hong Kong contemporary art, known for his multimedia installations and performance art.
- Jive Lau – A neon artist preserving Hong Kong’s disappearing neon heritage through innovative designs.
- Hong Hao – A conceptual artist blending ready-made materials with traditional aesthetics.
- Wucius Wong (b. 1936) – A pioneer of modern ink painting, blending traditional Chinese techniques with Western abstraction.
- Lui Shou-Kwan (1919–1975) – Known for his expressive Zen paintings, which revolutionized Chinese ink art.
- Luis Chan (1905–1995) – A vibrant and imaginative painter, often called the "Picasso of Hong Kong."
- Gaylord Chan (1925–2020) – Famous for his bold, colorful, and abstract compositions.
- Lam Tung Pang (b. 1978) – A contemporary artist known for his mixed-media works exploring Hong Kong’s urban landscape.
- Ho Sin Tung (b. 1986) – Creates thought-provoking paintings that blend history, literature, and personal narratives.
- Chu Hing Wah (b. 1935) – Celebrated for his expressive paintings depicting everyday life in Hong Kong.
- Taiwan has a rich conceptual art scene, with artists exploring abstract and thought-provoking themes. The country has a rich artistic heritage, with many painters making significant contributions to both traditional and contemporary art.
Some of the most notable Taiwanese conceptual artists and painting artists include:
- Li Yuan-Chia – One of Taiwan’s earliest pioneers of abstract and conceptual art, known for his monochromatic paintings, photography, and participatory installations.
- HOU Lulu Shur-tzy – A conceptual image and video artist whose work addresses socio-economic issues, gender, and cultural heritage.
- Michael Lin – Famous for large-scale installations that challenge traditional art spaces.
- Su-Chen Hung – A video artist exploring themes of language, identity, and immigration.
- Lee Mingwei – Creates participatory art that fosters human connection and interaction.
- Chang Dai-chien (1899–1983) – One of the most influential Chinese painters of the 20th century, known for his expressive brushwork and splashed-ink technique.
- Chen Cheng-po (1895–1947) – A pioneer of modern Taiwanese painting, blending Western oil techniques with traditional Chinese aesthetics.
- Liao Chi-chun (1902–1976) – Famous for his vibrant use of color and abstract compositions.
- Lin Yushan (1907–2004) – Known for his delicate ink paintings depicting Taiwan’s landscapes and daily life.
- Chien Chung-Wei – A contemporary watercolor artist celebrated for his atmospheric and detailed cityscapes.
- Indian miniature painters create beautiful and delicate paintings with precise lines and vibrant colors. Indian miniature painting is a fascinating art form known for its intricate details, vibrant colors, and storytelling.
These paintings often depict mythology, royal courts, and nature, with influences from Mughal, Rajput, Pahari, and Deccan styles. Some of the most notable Indian miniature painters include:
- Mir Sayyid Ali – A master artist in Mughal ateliers.
- Miskin – Known for his work in Emperor Akbar’s court.
- Nainsukh – A celebrated painter from the Pahari school.
- Pandit Seu & Manaku – Influential artists in Indian miniature traditions.
- Mir Sayyid Ali (1510–1572) was a Persian miniature painter who played a significant role in developing Mughal painting in India. Originally from Tabriz, Persia, he was a leading artist in the Safavid court before moving
to India at the invitation of Emperor Humayun. Mir Sayyid Ali, along with Abd al-Samad, helped establish the Mughal school of painting, influencing generations of artists. Some of his notable works include:
- Illustrations for the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp – A masterpiece of Persian miniature art.
- Layla and Majnun – A beautifully detailed painting from the Khamsa of Nizami.
- Portrait of a Young Writer – A refined depiction showcasing his delicate brushwork.
- Mir Sayyid Ali's paintings are rare and highly valued, especially in historical and auction markets. Since his works date back to the 16th century, original pieces are typically found in museum collections rather
than being frequently sold at auctions. However, reproductions and prints of his works can be found online, with prices ranging from $30 to several hundred dollars.
- Miskin (c. 1560–c. 1604) was a Mughal painter in the court of Emperor Akbar. He was known for his exceptional skill in depicting animals and was recorded by Abu'l-Fazl, Akbar's historian, as one of the prominent
painters of the time. Miskin's paintings are admired for their intricate details and lifelike depictions, making him one of the most celebrated artists of the Mughal era. Some of his notable works include:
- Buffaloes in Combat – A dynamic painting showcasing his mastery in capturing movement and energy.
- The World of Animals – A detailed composition featuring nearly a hundred creatures, reflecting his keen observation and artistic talent.
- Japanese calligraphy, known as shodō (書道), is a revered art form that emphasizes elegance, fluidity, and discipline. It has deep roots in Chinese calligraphy but evolved into a uniquely Japanese tradition with
the introduction of hiragana and katakana. Japanese calligraphy is not just about writing—it embodies philosophy, mindfulness, and artistic expression. Some of the most celebrated Japanese calligraphers include:
- Ono no Michikaze (894–966) – Considered one of the "Three Brushes" of Japan, he helped shape early Japanese calligraphy.
- Fujiwara no Yukinari (972–1027) – Known for his refined and graceful writing style.
- Shōkadō Shōjō (1584–1639) – A Zen monk whose expressive calligraphy is highly admired.
- Ike Taiga (1723–1776) – A master of bokuseki, a bold and dynamic style of Zen calligraphy.
- Ono no Michikaze (894–966) was a highly influential Japanese calligrapher from the Heian period. He is considered the founder of Japanese-style calligraphy (wayō shodō) and was one of the Three Brush Traces (Sanseki)
alongside Fujiwara no Sukemasa and Fujiwara no Yukinari. Michikaze's calligraphy was deeply inspired by Chinese masters like Wang Xizhi, but he adapted the style to create a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. His works
are known for their fluidity, elegance, and balance, setting the foundation for Japanese calligraphy that continued for centuries. Michikaze’s legacy remains strong, and he is often revered as a deity of calligraphy
in Japan. His birthplace in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture, even has a Tofu Memorial Museum dedicated to him. Some of his notable works include:
- Draft for an inscription on a byōbu (folding screen) – A semi-cursive script piece featuring poems by Oe no Asatsuna.
- Gyokusen-Jo handscroll – A collection of poems by a Tang Chinese poet, showcasing his refined brushwork.
- Kokin Wakashū scroll – A manuscript containing waka poems from the early Heian poetry anthology.
- Fujiwara no Yukinari (972–1027) was a highly influential Japanese calligrapher from the Heian period. He is regarded as one of the Three Brush Traces (Sanseki) alongside Ono no Michikaze and Fujiwara no Sukemasa,
known for refining wayō (Japanese-style) calligraphy. Yukinari’s calligraphy is characterized by its elegance, fluidity, and balance, making it highly admired and widely emulated. His works often feature kana
(Japanese syllabary), and he is credited with founding the Sesonji school of calligraphy, which became a leading tradition in Japan. His legacy continues to shape Japanese calligraphy, and his refined style remains
influential. Some of his notable works include:
- Handscroll of Bai Juyi’s Eight Poems – A masterpiece written in 1018, treasured by Emperor Fushimi.
- Gonki (Diary) – His personal records, offering insights into court life and calligraphy.
- Sinsen Nenchugyoji – A book detailing ceremonies for annual events.
- Shōkadō Shōjō (1584–1639) was a Buddhist monk, painter, calligrapher, and tea master from the Edo period in Japan. He is recognized as one of the Three Brushes of the Kan'ei Era, alongside Hon'ami Kōetsu
and Konoe Nobutada. His calligraphy was deeply influenced by sō (grass script), a flowing and expressive style originating in China. He revived this tradition, creating elegant inscriptions and poetry.
Shōkadō Shōjō also had a deep connection to the tea ceremony, and his retreat, Shōkadō (Pine Flower Hall), became a center for artistic and cultural exchange. His legacy continues to inspire
calligraphers and tea masters today. Some of his notable works include:
- Six-panel folding screen with gold leaf – Featuring 16 love poems written in sō script.
- Bamboo and Sparrows – A delicate ink painting housed in the Honolulu Museum of Art.
- Poem by Onakatomi Yoshinobu – A calligraphy piece with an underpainting of hollyhocks, displayed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Ike Taiga (1723–1776) was a Japanese painter and calligrapher from the Edo period, known for his contributions to the bunjinga (literati painting) style. Alongside Yosa Buson, he helped refine this genre, which was
inspired by classical Chinese painting but adapted with a uniquely Japanese touch. His works often feature landscapes, nature, and scholarly themes, reflecting his deep appreciation for Chinese culture and philosophy.
Taiga’s artistic style was expressive, fluid, and deeply intellectual, making him one of the most celebrated painters of his time. Some of his notable paintings include:
- Fishing in Springtime – A serene depiction of nature, housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- The Five Hundred Disciples of Buddha – A large-scale masterpiece created for the Manpuku Temple.
- Chinese Recluses in a Mountain – A ten-screen work showcasing his skill in literati painting.
- South Korea has a thriving street art scene, particularly in cities like Seoul and Busan, where murals, graffiti, and installations bring vibrancy to urban spaces. Artists like Royyal Dog, known for his hyper-realistic
portraits, and Jay Flow, a pioneer in Korean graffiti, have gained international recognition. Areas like Ihwa Mural Village and Hongdae are famous for their street art culture.
- North Korea has a highly controlled art scene, with most artistic expression serving state propaganda. However, some North Korean artists who have defected, such as Sun Mu, create politically charged works
that challenge the regime. The Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang is one of the largest art production centers, focusing on socialist realism.
- Thai pottery has a deep-rooted history, blending practicality with artistic expression. Thai ceramics have been influenced by Chinese, Khmer, and Indian styles, but they developed their own distinct identity.
Some famous Thai pottery styles include:
- Sukhothai Ware – Known for its elegant black-and-white designs, often featuring fish and floral motifs.
- Terracotta Pottery – Earthy and rustic, reflecting traditional Thai craftsmanship.
- Sangkhalok Ware – Produced in the Sukhothai period, known for its intricate floral and fish motifs.
- Benjarong Porcelain – A royal style featuring multicolored enamel designs, originally reserved for the Thai aristocracy.
- Celadon Ceramics – Famous for their jade-green glaze, originating from the Lanna Kingdom.
- Vietnamese pottery traditions are rich in history and craftsmanship, producing ceramics that are both functional and artistic. Vietnamese ceramics have a long history dating back over 2,000 years.
It has been influenced by Chinese ceramics but has developed its own distinct identity over time. Some notable styles include:
- Bát Tràng Ceramics – A famous pottery village near Hanoi, known for its blue-and-white porcelain.
- Chu Đậu Ceramics – A historical style featuring delicate floral and geometric patterns.
- Lê Dynasty White Glaze – Thin-bodied ceramics with elegant chrysanthemum designs.
- Ly-Tran Dynasty Ceramics – Featuring dragon motifs and Buddhist-inspired designs.
- Vietnam has a rich artistic tradition, with many painters gaining international recognition for their unique styles and contributions to modern and traditional Vietnamese art. Some of the most famous Vietnamese painters include:
- Nguyen Gia Tri (1908–1993) – Known as the father of modern Vietnamese lacquer painting, blending traditional techniques with Western influences.
- To Ngoc Van (1906–1954) – A pioneer of Vietnamese oil painting, famous for his elegant depictions of women.
- Nguyen Tuong Lan (1906–1946) – One of the "Four Masters" of Vietnamese modern art, known for his symbolic and harmonious compositions.
- Tran Van Can (1910–1994) – Renowned for his expressive portraits and contributions to Vietnamese fine arts.
- Bui Xuan Phai (1920–1988) – Famous for his paintings of Hanoi’s old streets, capturing the city's charm and nostalgia.
- Nguyen Gia Tri's paintings are highly valued in the art market, with prices varying based on size, medium, and historical significance. Recent auction results show that his works have sold for anywhere
between $1,839 to over $2 million, with his painting Les Trois Femmes (Three Ladies) fetching $2,070,086 at Christie's Hong Kong in 2025. Other notable sales include:
- Paysage de Rizières (Landscape with Rice Fields) – Estimated at $120,000–$180,000.
- Village in the Forest – Estimated at $150,000–$300,000.
- Fish Becoming Dragon – Estimated at $160,000–$250,000.
- To Ngoc Van's paintings are highly valued in the art market, with prices varying based on size, medium, and historical significance. Recent auction results show that his works have sold for anywhere
between $1,027 to over $1.16 million, with his painting Les Désabusées (Disillusionment) fetching $1,162,549 at Christie's Hong Kong in 2019. Other notable sales include:
- Deux femmes (Two Ladies) – Estimated at $300,000–$400,000.
- Portrait de Jeune Femme (Portrait of a Young Woman) – Estimated at $1.5 million–$2.5 million.
- Paysage (Landscape) – Estimated at $150,000–$200,000.
- Nguyen Tuong Lan's paintings have been auctioned at various prices, depending on their size, medium, and historical significance; his works have sold for anywhere between $3,499 to $475,068,
with his painting Repose fetching $475,068 at Sotheby's Paris in 2023.
- Indonesia has vibrant art scenes with talented visual artists working across various mediums, blending traditional influences with contemporary innovation. Some of the most notable Indonesian visual artists include:
- Affandi (1907–1990) – A renowned expressionist painter known for his bold, emotional brushstrokes.
- Heri Dono – A contemporary artist blending traditional Indonesian motifs with modern themes, he was famous for his installations and paintings inspired by traditional wayang (puppet) art.
- I Nyoman Masriadi – Known for his bold, satirical paintings that explore social themes, he was famous for his satirical and thought-provoking paintings.
- FX Harsono – A groundbreaking artist whose works address political and ethnic issues in Indonesia.
- Eko Nugroho – A contemporary artist blending traditional batik and embroidery with street art and comics.
- Haris Purnomo – Recognized for his thought-provoking paintings that contrast good and evil.
- Malaysia has a thriving digital art scene, with artists pushing creative boundaries in illustration, animation, and mixed media. Some notable Malaysian digital artists include:
- Michael Lim – Known for his stunning animations, including work for K-pop group NewJeans.
- Lihuà Wong – A fashion illustrator blending Chinese calligraphy with high-fashion portraits.
- Chong Fei Giap – Famous for his anime-inspired landscapes that capture Malaysia’s urban beauty.
- Vince Low – Recognized for his intricate scribble-style portraits.
- Tang Yau Hoong – A conceptual artist known for his clever use of negative space.
- Singapore has a thriving art scene with many talented painters who have shaped its artistic landscape. Some of the most notable Singaporean painting artists include:
- Tan Swie Hian – A cultural icon known for his work in oil, Chinese ink, and acrylic painting.
- Lim Tze Peng – Famous for his Chinese ink drawings and paintings of post-independence Singapore.
- Georgette Chen – A pioneer of the Nanyang style, blending Western techniques with Southeast Asian themes.
- Chua Mia Tee – Renowned for his realistic depictions of Singapore’s everyday life.
- Cheong Soo Pieng – A key figure in modern Singaporean art, known for his abstract and figurative works.
- Marina A – Known for her cosmic surrealism and album art designs.
- Mok Zijie – Creates miniature watercolor illustrations of nature and architecture.
- Hafiiz Karim – Reimagines classical paintings in modern-day Singapore through digital collage.
- Debra Raymond – Specializes in soft paintings and drawings of Singaporean dishes and marine life.
- Ong Kian Peng – A pioneer in integrating technology into art, using VR to explore climate change themes.
- The Philippines has a rich and diverse art scene, with visual artists excelling in painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, Filipino contemporary artists push boundaries in various mediums.
Notable Filipino Visual Artists include:
- Fernando Amorsolo (1892–1972) – The first National Artist of the Philippines and known as the "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art," famous for his luminous landscapes and rural scenes.
- Carlos "Botong" Francisco (1912–1969) – A master muralist who revived the art of large-scale painting in the country.
- Guillermo Tolentino (1890–1976) – A renowned sculptor, best known for the Bonifacio Monument and the UP Oblation.
- José Joya (1931–1995) – A pioneer of abstract expressionism in the Philippines.
- Pacita Abad (1946–2004) – An internationally recognized artist known for her colorful trapunto paintings.
- Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” (Savior of the World) is a captivating and mysterious masterpiece that has fascinated art lovers for centuries. Painted around 1500, this Renaissance artwork depicts Jesus Christ holding
a crystal orb in his left hand and offering a benediction with his right hand. The orb symbolizes the heavens and the universe, while the gesture of blessing reflects Christ's role as the savior. “Salvator Mundi” is renowned
for its exquisite detail, particularly in the rendering of the intricate curls of Christ's hair and the delicate texture of his garments. The painting's ethereal quality and serene expression are classic examples of
Leonardo's genius in capturing human emotion and spirituality. Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” fetched $450.3 million in 2017 at Christie’s, making it the most expensive painting ever sold at auction.
- Pablo Picasso’s “Les Femmes d’Alger” (Women of Algiers), which was sold for $179.4 million in 2015 at Christie’s, is a remarkable series of 15 paintings and various drawings created in 1954-1955.
Inspired by Eugène Delacroix's 1834 painting of the same name, Picasso reinterpreted the work through his unique Cubist lens. The series is marked by its vibrant colors, abstract forms, and complex compositions,
showcasing Picasso's masterful ability to capture emotion and movement. The paintings feature women in a harem setting, with fragmented shapes and overlapping planes that create a sense of dynamism.
Each piece in the series offers a different perspective and interpretation, reflecting Picasso's exploration of form and his response to the historical context of Delacroix's original work.
- Alberto Giacometti’s “L’Homme au doigt” (Man Pointing) is a stunning masterpiece that captures the raw essence of human form and expression. Created in 1947, this bronze sculpture stands out with its elongated,
slender figure and hauntingly intricate details. Alberto Giacometti’s “L’Homme au doigt”, which fetched $141.3 million in 2015 at Christie’s, celebrated for its dynamic energy, is one of Giacometti's most famous
works and has been widely admired for its powerful presence and emotional depth.
- Kara Walker's "A Subtlety" (2014) is a powerful and provocative installation that garnered widespread attention and critical acclaim, it's one of the notable paintings of the 21st century.
This painting was a temporary installation, yet it left a lasting impression on viewers
and the art world at large. Its thought-provoking nature and powerful visual impact continue to spark conversations about racial and social justice. The centerpiece of the installation was a colossal
sugar-coated sphinx-like figure, a mammy-like caricature of stark white sugar, 35 feet tall. It was surrounded by smaller figures made of molasses-covered resin. Walker's work addressed themes of race,
power, exploitation, and America’s history with sugar, slavery, and the labor of Black women.
- Peter Doig's 100 Years Ago (2000) is a notable painting of the 21st century, this painting features the haunting image of a man in a canoe, set against a surreal, dream-like background.
It's a mesmerizing work that showcases his signature style of blending reality and dream-like landscapes. Doig is known for his ability to create surreal settings that feel both familiar and otherworldly.
In the "100 Years Ago" painting, he depicts a lone figure in a canoe, drifting in a mysteriously glowing body of water.
The scene evokes a haunting and contemplative atmosphere, resonating with themes of memory and solitude. "100 Years Ago" exemplifies Doig’s talent for capturing a sense of timelessness and introspection.
- Julie Mehretu's Dispersion (2002) is one of the notable paintings of the 21st century, known for its dynamic compositions and complex layering, Mehretu's work
often reflects the themes of globalism and urban environments. In "Dispersion," Mehretu uses layers of acrylic and ink to build abstract yet highly detailed scenes that reflect themes of chaos, movement, and urban environments.
Mehretu’s paintings have been seen as a combination of architectural drawings, maps, and personal narratives, creating a rich tapestry that invites viewers to explore and interpret the piece in numerous ways. Mehretu's artistic
style often involves layering different visual elements, which can include everything from delicate lines to bold, sweeping strokes. This layering technique creates a sense of depth and complexity, making her work both visually
and intellectually engaging.
- The most famous and expensive painting of the 21st century is "Salvator Mundi" by Leonardo da Vinci. This painting depicts Christ holding a crystal orb in one hand and giving a benediction with the other.
Despite some controversy over its authenticity and restoration, its historical and artistic value is undeniable. It sold for an astonishing $450 million to the crown prince, Mohamed Bin Salman, at auction in 2017, making it the highest price ever paid for a painting.
- The most famous and expensive painting of the 20th century is "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn" by Andy Warhol. This piece is part of Warhol's famous Marilyn Monroe series and embodies his pop art style. It sold for an impressive $195 million at auction in 2022,
making it the most expensive work of art from the 20th century.
- The most famous and expensive painting of the 19th century is "Whistler's Mother" or "Portrait of Artist's Mother" by the American-born painter James McNeill Whistler in 1871. This iconic piece, officially titled "Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1," is renowned
for its simplicity and depth. This painting is held by the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, having been bought by the French state in 1891. It is one of the most famous works by an American artist outside the United States, and often considered
one of the greatest works of American art.
- The Terror of War (1972), The Burning Monk (1963), Guerillero Heroico (1960), V-J Day in Times Square (1945), and Migrant Mother (1936) are
the most iconic and influential photographs from history; these images have left an indelible mark on our collective memory, and continue to shape our understanding of history, culture, and human experiences:
- The Terror of War (1972): Associated Press photographer Nick Ut captured the raw impact of conflict during the Vietnam War; the haunting image shows 9-year-old Phan Thi Kim Phuc running naked,
her body burned by napalm. It became a cultural shorthand for the war's atrocities.
- The Burning Monk (1963): Malcolm Browne's photograph of Thich Quang Duc self-immolating in Saigon during the Buddhist crisis is a powerful symbol of protest and sacrifice.
- V-J Day in Times Square (1945): Alfred Eisenstaedt's joyful photo of a sailor kissing a nurse celebrates the end of World War II and the hope for peace.
- Guerillero Heroico (1960): Alberto Korda's portrait of Che Guevara has become a revolutionary symbol worldwide.
- Migrant Mother (1936): Dorothea Lange's iconic image of a Depression-era mother and her children epitomizes the struggles faced during the Great Depression.
- Laocoön and His Sons, Venus of Willendorf, Bust of Nefertiti, and Terracotta Army are most famous iconic sculptures in the art history:
- Laocoön and His Sons (Second Century BC): A powerful sculpture depicting a Trojan priest and his sons being attacked by sea serpents; it's a masterpiece of ancient Greek art.
- Venus of Willendorf (28,000–25,000 BC): This tiny figurine, measuring just over four inches in height, was discovered in Austria; its purpose remains a mystery, but it's considered one of the earliest sculptures in art history.
- Bust of Nefertiti (1345 BC): Unearthed in 1912, this stucco-coated limestone bust symbolizes feminine beauty; it's believed to depict Queen Nefertiti, who may have ruled as Pharaoh after her husband Akhenaten's death.
- The Terracotta Army (210–209 BC): Discovered in 1974 near the tomb of China's first Emperor, Shi Huang, this massive clay army consists of over 8,000 life-size soldiers, horses, and chariots meant to protect him in the afterlife.
- Pablo Picasso's "Guernica", Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night", Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa", Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam", Sandro Botticelli's "Primavera", Salvador Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory", and
Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" are the most famous paintings, and continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide:
- Pablo Picasso's "Guernica": This mural-sized painting reflects the horrors of the Spanish Civil War; it's a powerful anti-war statement in response to this war.
- Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night": A swirling, expressive depiction of the night sky.
- Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa": An enigmatic portrait that has captivated viewers for centuries.
- Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam": Part of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, it portrays the biblical creation of Adam.
- Sandro Botticelli's "Primavera": This exquisite tempera painting depicts a crowd gathered in an orange grove; the lack of linear perspective adds to its unique charm.
- Salvador Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory": Dalí's surreal melting clocks evoke a dreamlike quality.
- Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring": A mesmerizing depiction of a young woman with a pearl earring, shrouded in mystery.
- Felice Beato (1832 – 29 January 1909), also known as Felix Beato, was one of the first British-Italian photographers
to take pictures in East Asia. He is recognized for his genre works, portraits, and views and panoramas
of the architecture and landscapes of Asia and the Mediterranean region. Beato's travels to many places gave him the opportunity to create powerful and lasting photos of countries, people and events that were unfamiliar and remote to most people in
Europe and North America. His work provides the key images of such events as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and
the Second Opium War and his photographs represent the first substantial oeuvre of what came to be called photojournalism. Beato's photographs of Asia constituted the standard imagery of travel
diaries, illustrated newspapers, and other published accounts, and helped shape "Western" notions of several Asian societies.
- The most expensive living artist is Jasper Johns, an American painter, sculptor and printmaker whose work is associated with
abstract expressionism, Neo-Dada, and pop art; he is well known for his depictions of the
American flag and other US-related topics. One of his series flag paintings "Flag" (1958)
was sold privately to hedge fund billionaire Steven A. Cohen for a reported $110 million in 2010.
- David Hockney, one of the most influential living British artists of the 20th century, sold one of his paintings, "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" (1972)
at Christie's auction house in New York City for $90 million in November 2018. This large acrylic-on-canvas pop art
measures 7 ft × 10 ft (2.1 m × 3.0 m). and depicts two figures, one swimming underwater and one clothed male figure looking down at the swimmer.
- Qatar purchased Cézanne’s "The Card Players" for more than $250 million, it's highest price ever for
a work of art, setting a new record at the time for the most expensive painting ever sold. The version they bought is one of five in Cézanne’s iconic series from the 1890s, each depicting stoic Provençal peasants absorbed in a quiet card game.
Unlike earlier depictions of rowdy tavern scenes, Cézanne’s take is meditative and stripped of drama—what one critic called “human still life”. This acquisition wasn’t just about prestige—it was part of Qatar’s broader cultural strategy
to position itself as a global art hub.
- Jeff Koons has become the most expensive work by a living American artist ever to sell at auction, his "Rabbit," a stainless steel figure measuring just
over 3 feet tall, sold for more than $91 million in May 2019 at Christie's in New York, smashing auction estimates. The new record comes just six months after
David Hockney's "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)" set a new benchmark for a living artist, when it sold for
$90.3 million in November 2018 at Christie's in New York. The British painter's artwork had itself overtaken Koons' "Balloon Dog (Orange)" sculpture, the previous record-holder, which went for
$58.4 million in 2013.
- In 1954, two years after being discharged from the United States Army, the 24-year-old Jasper Johns had a vivid dream of the American flag.
Today Johns’s flags are in the permanent collections of the MoMA, the Whitney, and the Tate.
In 2010, Flag (1958), previously owned by Johns’ gallerist Leo Castelli, sold for $110 million to a private collection, making it one of the most expensive works ever sold. At multiple times
works by Johns have held the title of most paid for a work by a living artist.
- When Chinese-born artist Zao Wou-Ki died in April 2013, he left behind decades of work made as a émigré in France and Switzerland.
At the time, his work was selling for $1 million to $2 million; in 2017, works of Wou-Ki’s at auction grossed $156 million;
and in 2018, there have already been more than $135 million in sales, and his market is on track to go even higher. Zao's work 'Juin-Octobre 1985', which was sold for $61m at at Sotheby's, Hong Kong, on September 1, 2018,
is the most expensive painting ever to go under the hammer in Hong Kong.
- The world's most expensive painting sold at auction:
Salvator Mundi | Leonardo da Vinci | (1490-1519) | sold for $450.3m (€382m).
- Interchange | Willem de Kooning | (1955) | sold for $300m (€254m).
- The Card Players | Paul Cézanne | (1892/93) | sold for $250m (€212m).
- Nafea Faa Ipoipo | Paul Gauguin | (1892) | sold for $210m (€178.3m).
- Number 17A | Jackson Pollock | (1948) | sold for $200m (€169.8m).
- No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) | Mark Rothko | (1951) | sold for $186m (€157.9m).
- Portraits of Maerten Soolmans/Oopjen Coppit | Rembrandt | (1634) | sold for $180m (€152.8m).
- Les Femmes d’Alger (“Version O”) | Pablo Picasso | (1955) | sold for $179.4m (€152.3m).
- Nu Couché | Amedeo Modigliani | (1917/18)| sold for $170.4m (€144.6m).
- No. 5, 1948 | Jackson Pollock | (1948) | sold for $140m (€118.8m).
- Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” was sold for $400 million, plus $50.3 million
in commissions, at Christie’s in New York on November 15, 2017. "Salvator Mundi" is a painting of Christ as Salvator Mundi (Saviour of The World) from c. 1500.
The painting was possibly painted for Louis XII of France and his consort, Anne of Brittany.
The seller is Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, an avid art collector who purchased "Salvator Mundi" for $127.5 million in May 2013.
- "Interchange" painted by
Willem de Kooning is the second most expensive painting in the world. It was one of de Kooning's first abstract landscapes, and marked a change in his style under the influence of fellow artist
Franz Kline. In September 2015, it was sold by the David Geffen Foundation to Kenneth C. Griffin
for $300 million ($303.1 million today), a new mark for highest ever price for a painting, not surpassed
until the sale of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” on November 15, 2017.
- In February 2015, five Claude Monet paintings sold for a combined £55.7 million in under an hour at a Sotheby’s auction in London.
- Modigliani Reclining Nude sells for $170.4m making it the second most
expensive painting ever sold at auction, after Pablo Picasso's
Women of Algiers (Les Femmes D'Alger), which was sold for $179.4 in May 2015.
- Vincent van Gogh’s bedroom in Arles is arguably the most famous chambre in the history of art.
The painting depicts Van Gogh's "Bedroom at 2", Place Lamartine in Arles,
Bouches-du-Rhône, France, known as his
Yellow House.
- Vincent van Gogh painting "L'Allee des Alyscamps", which depicts autumnal scenes
in the Alyscamps, an ancient Roman
necropolis in Arles which is lined with poplars and stone sarcophagi,
has sold for $$66.3 million on 5 May 2015 at Sotheby's New York.
- A hidden painting has been found by scientists beneath the brush strokes of The Blue Room, a 1901 a Picasso
artwork. This discovery was made using infrared and X-ray imaging by a team from The Phillips Collection, the National Gallery of Art, Cornell University, and the Winterthur Museum. Picasso painted The Blue Room during his Blue Period,
a time marked by emotional depth and a monochromatic palette of blues. But like many young artists struggling financially, he often reused canvases; he painted over a finished portrait—likely created just before The Blue Room—to pursue
a new idea.
- One of Claude Monet's paintings of the famous lily pond in the artist's garden at Giverny, France,
was sold for $54 million on 5 May 2015 at Sotheby's New York. Monet’s water lily series is a cornerstone of Impressionist art, and those paintings from Giverny have become almost mythic in their influence. The allure goes beyond the sheer
beauty of the lily pond—it’s also the serenity, the light, the radical use of color and reflection. Monet didn’t just paint what he saw; he painted how it felt to see. That emotional resonance continues to captivate collectors and institutions
alike.
- Claude Monet's painting "Le bassin aux nymphéas" (from the water lilies series) (1904), was sold for $80,451,178 on 24 June 2008 at
Sotheby's New York. This sale placed the painting among the most expensive works ever auctioned at the time. Painted in 1904, this work captures that dreamlike balance of water, sky, and reflected light that defined Monet’s late style.
The water lilies weren’t just decorative flora to him—they were an emotional and artistic anchor that kept evolving as his eyesight declined and his brushwork became more fluid and introspective.
- Claude Monet's painting "London, the Parliament, Effects of Sun in the Fog (Londres, le Parlement, trouée de soleil dans le brouillard)" (1904), was sold for $20.1 million
in 2004. His London series, and particularly this painting, represents a more atmospheric, almost cinematic side of his practice. The way he captured London’s mist and filtered light transformed industrial gloom into glowing poetry.
- Claude Monet's "Le Pont du chemin de fer à Argenteuil", an 1873 painting of a railway bridge spanning the Seine near Paris was sold for $41,480,000 at Christie's auction in
New York on May 6, 2008. The painting’s composition—with the bridge’s strong horizontal slicing across shimmering reflections in the Seine—was both innovative and symbolic. At the time, trains represented progress and speed, and Monet
was skillfully documenting a rapidly changing France. Painted in 1873, it captures the newly built railway bridge in Argenteuil, where Monet was living at the time. He was deeply fascinated by how industrial structures intersected with the
landscape and light—a subject that now feels strikingly contemporary.
- Sotheby sold 198 pieces of
Old Master & 19th Century European Art on 30 January 2015 for $2,326,337 in
New York. That's an intriguing contrast to the Clodion sculpture sale, it really highlights how rarity, artist prestige, and subject matter can dramatically influence the market.
- A terracotta sculpture by Claude Michel, called Clodion, entitled "Bacchante With Grapes Carried By Two Bacchantes And A Bacchant", was sold for $2,853,000
on 29 January 2015 in New York. Claude Michel, better known as Clodion, was renowned for his exuberant Rococo sculptures—often bursting with life, mythological themes, and an unmistakable sensuality. His depictions of bacchantes and bacchants (followers of Bacchus, the god of wine) are particularly sought after for their dynamic movement and expressive
detail.
- "St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Sigismund of Burgundy" by
Lorenzo Veneziano was sold for $1,325,000 on 29 January 2015
in New York. This painting stood out not just for its devotional subject but for its historic and artistic significance. Saint Catherine, the learned martyr, and Saint Sigismund, a royal convert, were popular intercessors, and
their pairing might reflect a commission with deeply personal or political meaning. The survival—and vibrant market life—of a panel painting nearly 700 years old is extraordinary. It bridges centuries of faith, artistry, and
shifting tastes. It’s also part of a broader trend where collectors increasingly recognize the spiritual and aesthetic power of early religious works.
- Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?), a work produced in 1892 by French painter
Paul Gauguin, who died penniless in 1903, has been sold for
$300 million, making it the most expensive work of art ever sold.
- The oil landscape by John Constable fetched
$5.2 million at Sotheby’s in Manhattan on January 28, 2015 — just 569 days after it was bought for a paltry $5,212. These dramatic reappraisals are rare, but they do happen—and they highlight how crucial expertise,
documentation, and sometimes sheer luck can be in the art world. Constable’s sensitive renderings of the English countryside remain deeply coveted, and when a sleeper like that comes to light, it’s a headline-maker.
- Russian artist Natalia Goncharova used a Cubo-Futurist
style in her 1913 "Cyclist" painting, which is a standout example of Natalia Goncharova’s bold experimentation with Cubo-Futurism,
a hybrid style that fused the fractured geometry of Cubism with the dynamic energy of Futurism. In this painting, Goncharova captures a male cyclist in motion, pedaling through a bustling urban street. The background brims with shop signs
and Cyrillic letters, some of which seem to blur into the cyclist himself—a clever visual metaphor for speed and modernity. She uses repeated forms, dislocated contours, and bold brushstrokes to evoke the sensation of movement, while
still maintaining a surprising sense of compositional balance.
- The Chauvet Cave is one of the most famous prehistoric rock art sites in the world. Hundreds of animal paintings have been catalogued, depicting at least 13 different species, including some rarely or never found in other
ice age paintings. It’s one of the crown jewels of prehistoric art. The Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave in southern France contains some of the oldest and most sophisticated
cave paintings ever discovered, dating back around 30,000 to 32,000 years to the Aurignacian period. The cave walls are adorned with over 420 images, including lions, rhinoceroses, mammoths, bears, and even owls—some of which are rarely seen
in other Ice Age art3. The artists used techniques like shading, perspective, and motion blur to bring these creatures to life, long before such methods were codified in Western art. The cave was sealed off by a landslide for tens of
thousands of years, preserving the artwork in pristine condition until its discovery in 1994.
- Andy Warhol’s iconic image of Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong, sold for $17.4.
Created in the early 1970s, measuring over 6 feet tall, the work features Mao in a dark blue jacket against a light blue background, rendered in Warhol’s signature bold colors and silkscreen technique.
- The most expensive piece of art "Garçon à la Pipe (Boy with a Pipe)", painted by Pablo Picasso in 1905 during his Rose Period was sold for $104 million
at Sotheby’s in New York in May 2004. The painting depicts a young Parisian boy holding a pipe and wearing a garland of flowers. Picasso was just 24 years old when he created it, and the work is celebrated for its haunting beauty and
emotional ambiguity. It had been part of the Whitney family’s collection since 1950, purchased for just $30,000—a staggering return on investment.
- Picasso's "Nude, Green Leaves and Bust" was sold for more than $106.5 Million at Christie's on May 4, 2010, setting a record for art sold at
the time. The painting is a luminous, sensual celebration of form and color, created during what many consider Picasso’s most emotionally charged and artistically fertile period. Measuring over five feet tall, it had been in the private
collection of Sidney and Frances Brody for nearly six decades and had only been publicly exhibited once before the sale
- Picasso's "Women of Algiers" has become the most expensive painting to sell at auction, it was sold for $179.4m at Christie's in New York on May 11,
2015, setting a new world auction record at the time. Painted in 1955, this work is the final and most elaborate in a 15-part series inspired by Eugène Delacroix’s 19th-century masterpiece Women of Algiers. Picasso infused it with
his signature Cubist energy, vivid color, and sensual complexity—an homage, a reinvention, and a bold statement all at once. The painting had previously been part of the legendary collection of Victor and Sally Ganz, who originally
acquired the entire series. Its sale not only eclipsed the previous record held by Francis Bacon’s Three Studies of Lucian Freud, but also underscored the enduring magnetism of Picasso’s work in the eyes of elite collectors.
- Amedeo Clemente Modigliani (July 12, 1884 – January 24, 1920), who was an Italian painter and sculptor who worked mainly in France, died in Paris of tubercular meningitis, exacerbated by poverty, overwork and addiction to alcohol and narcotics, at the age of 35.
- These 10 pieces of art just sold for almost $800 million:
- Pablo Picasso, "Les Femmes d'Alger (Version 'O')," $179.4 million
- Alberto Giacometti, "L'Homme au Doigt," $141.3 million
- Mark Rothko, "No. 10," $81.9 million
- Pablo Picasso, "Buste de Femme (Femme a la Resille)," $67.4 million
- Vincent Van Gogh, "L’Allée des Alyscamps," $66.3 million
- Lucian Freud, "Benefits Supervisor Resting," $56.2 million
- Andy Warhol, "Colored Mona Lisa," $56.2 million
- Claude Monet, "Nympheas," $54 million
- Francis Bacon, "Portrait of Henrietta Moraes," $47.8 million
- Mark Rothko, "Untitled (Yellow and Blue)," $46.5 million
- In September, 2012, Sotheby's and Christie's, Champion International Art Auction House Ltd's, K Auction's, Koller Auktionen Zürich's, Jianan International Auction Co., Ltd's auction houses sold:
- $5,761,844 for Ferdinand Hodler's "Kastanienallee bei Biberist"
- $4,915,541 for Sanyu's "Vase of Lilies in Red Background"
- $4,264,933 for Ben Nicholson's "Violon et Guitare"
- $3,218,500 for Hongren's "Seclusion Amid Mountains and Streams"
- $3,013,907 for Anonymous Korean's "Album with Handwriting of Great Scholar Yi Hwang"
- $2,967,301 for Francisco de Goya's "Lot und seine Töchter"
- $2,751,029 for Huang Binhong's work -"Ink and Color on Paper, on Handscroll"
- $1,986,500 for Park Sookeun's "Tree and Three Figures"
- German art historian Birgit Dahlenburg was instrumental in the recognition of the 16th-century Croy Tapestry as a cultural asset of national
value. The tapestry, commissioned by Duke Philip I of Pomerania around 1554, is a monumental work depicting his family and that of his wife, Maria of Saxony, beneath a sermon by Martin Luther. It’s not just a family portrait—it’s a visual
manifesto of Protestant unity during a time of religious upheaval. It was officially entered into Germany’s Register of Nationally Valuable Cultural Assets in 2014.
- Francis Bacon's painting "Three Studies of Lucian Freud" was sold $142.4 million
at Christie’s in New York on November 12, 2013. At the time, it became the most expensive artwork ever sold at auction, surpassing even Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Painted in 1969, the triptych captures Bacon’s friend and artistic rival
Lucian Freud in three haunting, distorted poses. The work is a powerful example of Bacon’s raw, psychological intensity—each panel showing Freud seated within a cage-like structure, isolated against a vivid orange background..
- Giacometti's sculpture "Walking Man I" was sold $104.3 million
at a Sotheby’s auction in London on February 3, 2010. The life-size bronze sculpture, cast in 1961, is one of Giacometti’s most iconic works, capturing his signature elongated, textured style. It was originally commissioned for Chase Manhattan
Plaza but never installed. The piece was sold by Dresdner Bank and purchased by an anonymous telephone bidder after a fierce bidding war that lasted just eight minutes.
- The most expensive paintings:
- Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) by Paul Gauguin.
- The Card Players by Paul Cézanne.
- No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red) by Mark Rothko.
- No. 5, 1948 by Jackson Pollock.
- Woman III by Willem de Kooning.
- Le Rêve by Pablo Picasso.
- Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I by Gustav Klimt.
- Portrait of Dr. Gachet by Vincent van Gogh.
- Three Studies of Lucian Freud by Francis Bacon.
- Bal du moulin de la Galette by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
- Garçon à la pipe by Pablo Picasso.
- Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci.
- The Scream by Edvard Munch.
- Flag by Jasper Johns.
- Reclining Nude With Blue Cushion by Amedeo Modigliani.
- Nude, Green Leaves and Bust by Pablo Picasso.
- Portrait of Joseph Roulin by Vincent van Gogh.
- Dora Maar au Chat by Pablo Picasso.
- Irises by Vincent van Gogh.
- Eight Elvises by Andy Warhol.
- Anna's Light by Barnett Newman.
- Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster) by Andy Warhol.
- Adele Bloch-Bauer II by Gustav Klimt.
- Portrait de l'artiste sans barbe by Vincent van Gogh.
- La Montagne Sainte-Victoire vue du bosquet du Château Noir by Paul Cézanne.
- Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens.
- Triptych, 1976 by Francis Bacon.
- False Start by Jasper Johns.
- A Wheatfield with Cypresses by Vincent van Gogh.
- Les Noces de Pierrette by Pablo Picasso.
- Yo, Picasso by Pablo Picasso.
- Turquoise Marilyn by Andy Warhol.
- Portrait of Alfonso d'Avalos, Marquis of Vasto, in Armor with a Page by Titian.
- Orange, Red, Yellow by Mark Rothko.
- Le Bassin aux Nymphéas by Claude Monet.
- Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier by Paul Cézanne.
- Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh.
- Black Fire I by Barnett Newman.
- White Center (Yellow, Pink and Lavender on Rose) by Mark Rothko.
- Green Car Crash (Green Burning Car I) by Andy Warhol.
- Triple Elvis [Ferus Type] by Andy Warhol.
- Three Studies for a Portrait of John Edwards by Francis Bacon.
- Diana and Actaeon by Titian.
- Darmstadt Madonna by Hans Holbein.
- The Gross Clinic by Thomas Eakins.
- No 1 (Royal Red and Blue) by Mark Rothko
- Au Lapin Agile by Pablo Picasso.
- Acrobate et jeune arlequin by Pablo Picasso.
- Femme aux Bras Croisés by Pablo Picasso.
- Nude Sitting on a Divan ("La Belle Romaine") by Amedeo Modigliani.
- Police Gazette by Willem de Kooning.
- Diana and Callisto by Titian.
- Peasant Woman Against a Background of Wheat by Vincent van Gogh.
- Femme assise dans un jardin by Pablo Picasso.
- Untitled by Cy Twombly.
- Four Marlons by Andy Warhol.
- Eagle Standing on Pine Tree by Qi Baishi.
- Men in Her Life by Andy Warhol.
- Portrait of a Halberdier by Pontormo.
- Suprematist Composition by Kazimir Malevich.
- Untitled by Mark Rothko.
- Zhichuan Resettlement by Wang Meng.
- Spring (Le Printemps) by Édouard Manet.
- In November 2006, Sotheby's and Christie's auction houses sold:
- $87,963,000 for Gustav Klimt's "Adele Bloch-Bauer II"
- $40,336,000 for Gustav Klimt's "Birch Forest/Beech Forest"
- $40,336,000 for Paul Gauguin's "L'homme à la hache"
- $38,096,000 for Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's "Berliner Strassenszene; Bäume"
- $36,976,000 for Paul Cézanne's "Nature morte aux fruits et pot de gingembre"
- $33,056,000 for Gustav Klimt's "Apple Tree I"
- $31,376,000 for Gustav Klimt's "Houses at Unterach on the Attersee"
- $31,096,000 for Amedeo Modigliani's "Le fils du concierge"
- $22,416,000 for Egon Schiele's "Einzelne Häuser (Häuser mit Bergen); Monk I"
- $15,920,000 for Amedeo Modigliani's "Vénus (Nu debout, nu médicis)"
- The Fabergé Eggs created by the House of Fabergé for the Russian Imperial family is one of the world’s most expensive and famous crafts. They were first created in 1885 when Tsar Alexander III commissioned one as an Easter gift for his wife,
Empress Maria Feodorovna. What began as a token of love turned into an imperial tradition, with a total of 50 Imperial eggs crafted for the Romanov family, each more dazzling and technically complex than the last. Many feature incredible
surprises inside—tiny mechanical animals, miniature portraits, even working clocks—rendered with jaw-dropping precision in materials like enamel, gold, diamonds, and precious stones. Only 43 of the Imperial eggs are known to survive today,
and they reside in museums or private collections, often the jewels of any exhibition. Some have sold for over $30 million due to their intricate design and royal provenance.
- The Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication While, a combination of a watch and a marvel of handmade horology, is one of the world’s most expensive and famous crafts. It was sold for $24 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2014,
and is considered one of the most complex mechanical timepieces ever made. Crafted in 1933, the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Supercomplication, commissioned by American banker Henry Graves Jr., was completed in 1933 after eight years
of meticulous design and construction. It features 24 complications (functions beyond telling time), including a perpetual calendar, sunrise and sunset times, a celestial chart of the night sky over Graves’s New York apartment, and
Westminster chimes.
- The Graff Diamonds Hallucination is one of the world’s most expensive and famous crafts. It's less a watch and more a kaleidoscopic marvel of haute joaillerie. Unveiled at Baselworld in 2014, the Graff Diamonds Hallucination is
widely regarded as the most expensive watch ever created, with a jaw-dropping valuation of $55 million. This craft consists of over 110 carats of rare, fancy-colored diamonds—including vivid pinks, blues, yellows, greens, and
oranges—are meticulously set into a platinum bracelet. The diamonds come in a dazzling array of cuts: heart, pear, marquise, emerald, radiant, and round. Hidden among this explosion of color is a tiny quartz dial, framed in pink diamonds,
that quietly keeps time. The Hallucination was the brainchild of Laurence Graff, founder of Graff Diamonds, who called it “a sculptural masterpiece, a celebration of the miracle of colored diamonds.” It’s not just a timepiece—it’s
a statement of artistic ambition and technical brilliance.
- The Oppenheimer Blue Diamond Though a gemstone, its cutting and setting, are feats of craftsmanship. At 14.62 carats, this fancy Vivid Blue diamond is the largest of its kind ever sold at auction. Its emerald cut emphasizes clarity and depth,
showcasing the stone’s intense hue with regal elegance. Named after its former owner, Sir Philip Oppenheimer, a key figure in the diamond industry, the gem sold for $50.6 million at Christie’s Geneva in May 2016. At the time, it set a world
record for the most expensive jewel ever auctioned. Its rarity lies not just in its size and color, but in the fact that vivid blue diamonds are among the scarcest in the world. The Oppenheimer Blue’s flawless proportions and storied provenance
made it a once-in-a-generation treasure.
- Guinness World Record Crafts Some record-breaking crafts include the largest crochet blanket, largest bobbin lace, and largest chalk pavement art—all showcasing the scale and creativity of handmade artistry. Each one tells
a story—not just of scale, but of community, tradition, and awe-inspiring dedication.
- Largest Crochet Blanket - The record for the largest crochet blanket is held by a group from South Africa, measuring over 17,000 square meters! It was made as part of a community project and then divided up and donated—a heartwarming blend
of art and altruism.
- Largest Bobbin Lace - Set in Slovakia, the largest bobbin lace was created by over 200 lacemakers using traditional techniques. It was an intricate tapestry over 140 meters long, celebrating heritage and collective skill.
- Largest Chalk Pavement Art - British artist Joe Hill created a mind-bending 3D chalk drawing in 2014 that measured 1,160.4 square meters, transforming the ground into a surreal illusion of depth and drama.
- Origami (Japan) - The art of paper folding, symbolizing mindfulness and precision. Origami, a Japanese tradional craft, is a beautiful embodiment of Japanese aesthetics—where simplicity meets profound meaning. The word itself comes
from ori (to fold) and kami (paper), and while its roots stretch back to the 7th century, it blossomed during the Edo period (1603–1868) as both a ceremonial and recreational art form. At its heart, origami is about transforming a
single sheet of paper into intricate forms—cranes, frogs, flowers, even samurai helmets—without cutting or gluing. The crane, in particular, is a symbol of longevity and peace. Folding 1,000 cranes (senbazuru) has become a powerful
gesture of hope and healing in Japan. But origami isn’t just tradition—it’s innovation. Its principles are now used in engineering, medicine, and space exploration, from foldable solar panels to stents and airbags.
- Batik (Indonesia) - A wax-resist dyeing technique used to create intricate textile patterns. Batik, an Indonesian traditional craft, is truly one of Indonesia’s most treasured cultural expressions—both an art form and a storytelling
medium. At its core, batik is a wax-resist dyeing technique where artisans apply hot wax to fabric in specific patterns, then dye the cloth. The waxed areas resist the dye, preserving the original color beneath. This process can be
repeated with different colors to build up intricate, multicolored designs. Each region in Indonesia has its own distinctive batik style. In 2009, UNESCO recognized Indonesian batik as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,
honoring its deep roots in ritual, identity, and craftsmanship.
- Thangka Painting (Tibet) - Spiritual scroll paintings used in Buddhist rituals, requiring deep iconographic knowledge. Thangka painting is one of the most spiritually rich and visually captivating art forms in Tibetan Buddhism.
These scroll paintings, often created on cotton or silk, serve as both sacred objects of meditation and teaching tools. They typically depict deities, mandalas, or scenes from the life of the Buddha, rendered with meticulous detail
and symbolic precision. What sets thangkas apart is their deep iconographic structure—every gesture, color, and proportion follows strict guidelines rooted in centuries of religious tradition. Artists train for years to master not
only the technique but also the spiritual significance behind each element. The process begins with preparing the canvas, followed by intricate line work, mineral pigment painting, and often gold detailing. Thangkas are used in rituals,
displayed during festivals, and rolled up when not in use. Their portability made them ideal for nomadic monks and traveling teachers. Some are small enough for personal devotion, while others span several meters and are unfurled
on monastery walls during special ceremonies.
- Zellige Tilework (Morocco) - Hand-cut geometric mosaics that adorn palaces and mosques with mesmerizing symmetry. Zellige tilework is one of Morocco’s most dazzling artistic legacies—a symphony of geometry, color, and craftsmanship.
Each zellige (from the Arabic zillīj, meaning “polished stone”) is a hand-cut tile, traditionally made from glazed terracotta. Artisans chisel these tiles into precise shapes—stars, polygons, crosses—and assemble them into intricate
mosaics that seem to ripple with rhythm and harmony. This art form flourished during the 14th century and became a hallmark of Islamic architecture in the Maghreb. Zellige gracing can be found on the walls, fountains, floors, and domes
of palaces, mosques, and madrasas—especially in cities like Fez, Marrakesh, and Meknes2. The patterns are not just decorative; they reflect deep spiritual and mathematical principles, often symbolizing infinity and divine unity.
What’s remarkable is that zellige is still made today using the same painstaking techniques passed down through generations. It’s a living tradition—one that continues to inspire both traditional and contemporary design.
- Alebrijes (Mexico) - Vivid, fantastical creatures carved from wood and painted in dazzling colors, rooted in folk traditions. Alebrijes are a spectacular fusion of imagination, folklore, and craftsmanship—vivid, fantastical creatures
that have become icons of Mexican folk art. Their origin story is as magical as the creatures themselves. The first alebrijes were created in the 1930s by Pedro Linares, a papier-mâché artist from Mexico City. While gravely ill,
Linares had a dream filled with surreal animals—like a donkey with butterfly wings and a lion with an eagle’s head—all chanting the word “alebrijes.” When he recovered, he brought these dream-beasts to life using cartonería (papier-mâché).
Later, artisans in Oaxaca adopted the concept and began carving alebrijes from copal wood, a local material believed to have mystical properties. These wooden versions are now the most widely recognized, especially those from towns
like San Martín Tilcajete and Arrazola, where entire families collaborate on carving and painting them. Each alebrije is a one-of-a-kind creation, often blending features from multiple animals—real or mythical—and painted in dazzling,
kaleidoscopic patterns. Though not originally linked to Día de los Muertos, they’ve become popular during the holiday for their spiritual symbolism and vibrant energy.
- Woodblock printing, which is a technique for
printing text, images or patterns, is the oldest of these
dating back to at least 220 CE in China; it is still used in India and elsewhere today.
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