Which are the causes that make the prices of certain plastic works of art so high? Sometimes it can be too difficult to price a piece of art. This can vary and increase considerably over time. Throughout history each piece has been worth what the buyer and seller have agreed upon, based on a series of subjective and objective elements.
For example, what was taken into account when paying $450 million for Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting Salvator Mundi?
This painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, painted in 1500, depicts Christ holding an orb in one hand and forming the sign of the cross with the other. It was auctioned at Christie’s in 2016 and sold to the Prince of Saudi Arabia. The painting had been in the National Gallery for five years before coming up for auction.
Various authorities in the artistic world have stated that the main elements that are taken into account when pricing a work of art are: its historical significance and provenance, the reputation of the artist, aesthetic appeal, market trends, the representation of the gallery, its size and conservation condition and expert evaluations.
But very subjective elements such as the emotional connection with the work or cultural relevance and other very economic elements such as its potential as a passive investment also influence.
Valuing the price of a work of art is a complex situation involving many factors. It is a space where emotion, knowledge, desires, power and many other elements influence.
The price tag on a work of art is not only a reflection of its material value, but of its trajectory, its impact, and its place in popular culture.
Curious facts: very expensive paintings and paintings
We had said above that Salvator Mundi had been the most expensive in history, but below we will see others that are also very expensive.
Exchange, by Willem de Kooning
Painted in 1955, it sold for more than $328 million. Willem de Kooning, Dutch-American painter, is considered one of the pioneers of abstract expressionism and this work was key in his career: he went from painting women to painting abstract urban landscapes.
The Card Players, by Paul Cézanne
Painted between 1892 and 1893, this oil painting by Cézanne is one of five that the author created on the same theme: men sitting at a table playing cards. At the time it cost more than $288 million and is currently on display at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
Nafea Faa Ipoipo?, by Paul Gauguin
Painted in 1892, this oil painting cost $229 million and was Gaughin’s most expensive. This post-impressionist style painting portrays two young women sitting in a blue, green and gold landscape. Its title means When are you getting married?
So, what price do you put on your work of art? How do you value your artistic work? Let us know your opinion on the topic on our social networks