The Most Expensive Flower Paintings Sold at Auction
Flower paintings have long captivated art enthusiasts, symbolizing beauty, transience, and the splendor of nature. Over the years, several floral artworks have achieved remarkable prices at auction, reflecting their enduring appeal and the prominence of their creators. Here’s a Floristry guide to some of the most expensive flower paintings ever sold:
Vincent van Gogh: 'Orchard with Cypresses'
Auction Price: $117.2 million (2022)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Auction House: Christie's, New York
Significance: Painted in 1888 during Van Gogh's time in Arles, this work is part of a series depicting blossoming trees. Its sale set a record for the most expensive Van Gogh painting sold at auction.
Claude Monet: 'Le Bassin aux Nymphéas'
Auction Price: $84.6 million (2018)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Auction House: Christie's, New York
Significance: Part of Monet's iconic Water Lilies series, this painting captures the serene beauty of his garden in Giverny and showcases his mastery of light and reflection.
Georgia O'Keeffe: 'Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1'
Auction Price: $44.4 million (2014)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Auction House: Sotheby's, New York
Significance: This 1932 painting set a record for the highest price paid for a work by a female artist at auction. O'Keeffe's magnified depiction of the jimson weed flower exemplifies her unique approach to floral subjects.
Gustav Klimt: 'Blumengarten' (Flower Garden)
Auction Price: $59.3 million (2017)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Auction House: Sotheby’s, London
Significance: A vibrant and colorful depiction of a flower garden, this work reflects Klimt's fascination with nature and his distinctive ornamental style.
Sanyu: 'Fleurs dans un pot bleu et blanc'
Auction Price: $24 million (2020)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Auction House: Sotheby’s, Hong Kong
Significance: This painting by Chinese-French artist Sanyu showcases his blend of Eastern and Western artistic traditions. Its value has appreciated significantly over the years, highlighting the growing recognition of Sanyu's work in the art market.
These record-breaking sales underscore the timeless allure of floral art and the significant impact these masterpieces have had on the art world.