Why Famous Artworks Are So Valuable
Art has long been more than just decoration—it’s a powerful investment vehicle. Today, we’ll dive deeper into five famous artworks and explore what makes them worth millions. If you’re considering investing in art, platforms like Finslice offer an accessible way to own shares of these timeless pieces. Before we look at specific artworks, it’s essential to understand the key factors driving the value of art. A painting or sculpture becomes valuable due to its creator’s reputation, historical significance, scarcity, and, of course, market demand. Let’s explore five famous pieces and why they have achieved such astronomical prices.
1. Pablo Picasso: Les Femmes d’Alger (Version O)
Sold for: $179.4 million in 2015
Pablo Picasso’s Les Femmes d’Alger is a landmark in 20th-century art. Part of a series inspired by Eugène Delacroix, the painting reflects Picasso’s emotional state following the death of his close friend, Henri Matisse. The vibrant colors, cubist style, and historical references make this piece one of the most sought-after in modern art.
Picasso’s works consistently sell for millions because of his immense influence on modern art and the sheer rarity of his late-period masterpieces. Investors see Picasso’s pieces as a stable and appreciating asset.
2. Leonardo da Vinci: Salvator Mundi
Sold for: $450.3 million in 2017
Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, the most expensive painting ever sold, portrays Christ as the Savior of the World. Rediscovered in the early 2000s, its journey from being lost to becoming the world’s priciest painting contributed to its allure. The painting’s authenticity has been debated, but its connection to da Vinci—one of the greatest artists in history—makes it priceless.
3. Vincent van Gogh: Portrait of Dr. Gachet
Sold for: $82.5 million in 1990
Van Gogh’s Portrait of Dr. Gachet is both a personal and emotional masterpiece. Created during the final months of his life, it depicts the doctor who treated him for his mental health struggles. Van Gogh’s tragic story adds to the painting’s value, and collectors view his works as treasures, given the limited number he produced in his short career.
The rarity and deep emotional connection behind Van Gogh’s works are key factors in their consistently high market value.
4. Edvard Munch: The Scream
Sold for: $119.9 million in 2012
Edvard Munch’s The Scream is an iconic representation of existential angst and emotional turmoil. Created in 1893, it captures a figure standing on a bridge against a turbulent sky, resonating with feelings of anxiety and despair. Its universal themes and powerful imagery have made it a cultural symbol.
The value of The Scream lies not only in Munch’s artistic innovation but also in its significance as a precursor to Expressionism, making it one of the most recognizable and sought-after pieces in art history.
5. Jean-Michel Basquiat: Untitled
Sold for: $110.5 million in 2017
Jean-Michel Basquiat, a trailblazer of the 1980s New York art scene, created bold, energetic works that addressed themes of identity and race. His 1982 untitled painting, depicting a skull, set a record for an American artist’s work. Basquiat’s short career and untimely death make his works highly sought after, with their raw power and cultural relevance adding to their financial and artistic value.
Basquiat’s works are a prime example of how contemporary art can yield impressive returns for investors.
Finslice and Famous Artworks
Understanding the value behind these iconic works highlights the potential of art as an investment. With Finslice, investors can access fractional ownership of art, allowing them to invest in bundles of multiple art pieces at once. This approach not only diversifies your investment but also enables liquid trading, making art a more accessible and flexible asset class. Curious about how art compares to other investments? Check out our previous article, Art Investment ‒ Can You Beat the Market?, to explore how art stacks up against traditional asset classes.
