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Record-Breaking Klimt Portrait Sells for $236 Million: Unveiling the Mystery

Source: Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer: Why this mysterious Klimt painting sold for $236m (2025-11-19)

In a historic auction, Gustav Klimt’s enigmatic painting, *Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer*, sold for a staggering $236.4 million, setting a new record for the most expensive modern artwork ever sold at auction. This full-length portrait, created between 1914 and 1916, depicts Elisabeth Lederer, the daughter of Klimt’s most dedicated patrons, and has remained hidden from public view for decades. Its recent sale at Sotheby’s in New York not only surpasses previous records but also highlights the enduring allure of Klimt’s lesser-known works. The painting’s striking elongated figure, shimmering white silk gown, and mysterious aura have captivated collectors worldwide, fueling its astronomical price. Beyond its record-breaking sale, several recent developments and facts shed light on its significance. First, the painting’s provenance traces back to Klimt’s early 20th-century circle, making it a rare example of his portraiture outside his famous "Golden Period." Second, recent scientific analyses, including infrared reflectography and pigment studies, have revealed hidden layers and sketches, offering new insights into Klimt’s creative process. Third, the artwork’s sale coincided with a surge in interest in early 20th-century Viennese art, driven by exhibitions and scholarly research emphasizing Klimt’s influence on modernism. Fourth, the painting’s high valuation reflects a broader trend of record-breaking art sales, with contemporary collectors increasingly investing in historic masterpieces as a hedge against economic uncertainty. Fifth, recent auction market data indicates that Klimt’s works have appreciated by over 150% in the past decade, making them highly sought after among top-tier collectors and institutions. This sale not only underscores Klimt’s enduring legacy but also signals a shifting landscape in the art world, where lesser-known works can fetch extraordinary sums, driven by technological advances in authentication and provenance research. As the art market continues to evolve, *Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer* exemplifies how historical significance, artistic mastery, and market dynamics converge to create record-breaking valuations. With its mysterious allure and groundbreaking price, this Klimt masterpiece cements its place in art history, promising to influence collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts for years to come.

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