Record Sale for a Gustav Klimt Artwork
November 19, 2025
A painting by Gustav Klimt was sold for $236.4 million, setting a record and becoming the second most expensive artwork ever auctioned. The painting, known as 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer', was created between 1914 and 1916 and depicts Elisabeth Lederer, the daughter of the artist's wealthy patrons. The artwork was looted by the Nazis and nearly destroyed during World War II. The auction took place at Sotheby’s and lasted 20 minutes, with the buyer remaining anonymous. The painting was owned for many years by Leonard Lauder, who recently passed away.