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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 (2025-11-20)

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 Sotheby’s. This nearly 2-meter-tall masterpiece, created between 1914 and 1916, depicts Elisabeth Lederer, the daughter of Klimt’s most dedicated patrons, in a hauntingly elongated form cloaked in shimmering white silk. Despite its modest appearance compared to Klimt’s iconic "Golden Period" works, its recent sale underscores its profound cultural and artistic significance. The painting’s high valuation is driven by its rarity, historical context, and Klimt’s mastery of symbolism and portraiture. Notably, this sale surpasses the previous record held by Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe portrait, and it is second only to Leonardo da Vinci’s *Salvator Mundi* among the most expensive artworks ever sold. The auction’s success highlights a growing global appreciation for early 20th-century modernism, especially Klimt’s unique blend of symbolism, eroticism, and innovative techniques. Recent facts that deepen understanding of this historic sale include: 1. The *Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer* was hidden from public view for decades, only recently emerging at auction, which heightened its mystique and desirability among collectors. 2. Klimt’s work during 1914-1916 was influenced by the tumult of World War I, adding layers of historical significance to his portraits from this period. 3. The painting’s provenance traces back to private collections in Austria, with minimal exposure to the international art scene until its auction debut. 4. The sale coincided with a surge in interest in Austrian modernist art, driven by recent exhibitions and scholarly research highlighting Klimt’s influence on contemporary artists. 5. The record-breaking price reflects a broader trend of rising valuations for early 20th-century art, fueled by wealthy collectors’ appetite for rare and historically significant works. This landmark auction not only redefines Klimt’s market value but also signals a renewed global fascination with the Symbolist movement and Vienna Secession artists. As art collectors and institutions increasingly seek rare masterpieces, the *Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer* exemplifies how historical context, rarity, and artistic innovation converge to create extraordinary value. The painting’s sale underscores the importance of provenance, cultural significance, and the evolving landscape of art investment, making it a pivotal moment in the history of modern art auctions.

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