Whether you are an artist or someone who enjoys great work, there are a ton of questions that can go through a person’s mind at any point. Whether it is a question about a specific piece of art or something more of an overview, they all have their answers.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about art and answers that may come to surprise you.
What Is the Most Expensive Work of Art?
There are some that could be argued invaluable, but those are usually in museums where sales aren’t part of the process. But the most expensive piece ever auctioned and sold was the Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci. That one sold at auction in 2017 for $450 million.
There are several other paintings, such as Interchange by Willem de Kooning, N 17A by Jackson Pollock, and Women of Algiers (Version O) by Pablo Picasso, that have all sold well north of $170 million each.
Why Is Art So Expensive?
There are a number of reasons why a particular work can go for such an exorbitant cost. It can come down to the popularity of the artist or the piece in question, the quality of the work, the preceding ownership, the rarity, the marketing, the authenticity, and so much more.
If older pieces from renowned artists (such as da Vinci) become available, they are also likely to attract more bidders than something of lesser quality or esteem.
Why Is the Mona Lisa So Famous?
The original painting was stolen in 1911 from the famed Paris Louvre. Until then, it was considered to be just another of the paintings made by Renaissance masters. But when it disappeared for two years, it became arguably the most famous painting in the world.
People are drawn to the unique, almost enigmatic smile that she displays. The Mona Lisa never quite fit into the historical context for portraits, as it stands apart from traditional ways. There is no clear answer to the question because the answers are so simple at times.