Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer sold for $236.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York on November 18, 2025. This massive sale sets a new record for modern art and ranks it as the second priciest painting ever auctioned, just behind Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi.
The Historic Sale That Shook the Art World
The auction drew huge crowds and intense bidding. Six buyers competed for over 19 minutes before the hammer fell at $236.4 million. This price beat expectations and marked the highest ever for a modern artwork.
Experts called it a landmark event. The painting came from the collection of Leonard Lauder, heir to the Estée Lauder fortune. He bought it in the 1980s and kept it in his home for decades.
This sale highlights a strong rebound in the art market. After some slow years, big-ticket items like this show collectors are willing to spend top dollar again.
The buyer remains anonymous, as is common in high-end art deals. Speculation swirls about who now owns this masterpiece.
Background on Gustav Klimt and His Masterpiece
Gustav Klimt was an Austrian artist known for his golden, intricate style. He painted Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer between 1914 and 1916. It shows a young woman in a flowing white dress against a colorful background.
The work survived tough times, including Nazi looting during World War II. The Lederer family, who commissioned it, faced persecution but managed to protect the painting.
Klimt created it for the Lederer family, his key patrons. Elisabeth was their daughter, and the portrait captures her elegance in a dreamlike way.
Over the years, it hung in private collections. Its rare appearance at auction added to the excitement.
This piece stands out for its mix of realism and abstraction. Klimt used bold patterns and subtle colors to bring the subject to life.
Who Was Elisabeth Lederer?
Elisabeth Lederer came from a wealthy Viennese family. Her parents supported many artists, including Klimt. She posed for the portrait as a young adult.
Little is known about her personal life today. She lived through major historical events, like the two world wars.
Her family’s story ties into Austria’s art history. They owned several Klimt works, some of which faced restitution claims after the war.
- Elisabeth was born in 1894 and died in 1944.
- She married into another prominent family.
- The portrait shows her at age 20, full of poise.
This painting preserves her image for generations. It connects personal history with broader art narratives.
Auction Details and Bidding Frenzy
The event happened at Sotheby’s new Breuer Building in New York. It was part of a larger sale from Leonard Lauder’s collection, totaling over $700 million.
Bidding started strong and climbed fast. The final price included fees, making it a true record breaker.
Other items sold well too, like a Maurizio Cattelan sculpture for $12.1 million. But Klimt’s portrait stole the show.
Helena Newman, a Sotheby’s leader, praised the night as historic. She noted how the painting’s story added to its value.
| Top Auction Records for Paintings | Artist | Title | Sale Price (Million USD) | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Place | Leonardo da Vinci | Salvator Mundi | 450.3 | 2017 |
| 2nd Place | Gustav Klimt | Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer | 236.4 | 2025 |
| 3rd Place | Pablo Picasso | Les Femmes d’Alger | 179.4 | 2015 |
| 4th Place | Andy Warhol | Shot Sage Blue Marilyn | 195 | 2022 |
This table shows how Klimt’s work now fits among the elite.
How It Compares to Other Famous Art Sales
Klimt’s previous record was $108.4 million for Lady with a Fan in 2023. This new sale more than doubles that.
It trails only da Vinci’s piece, which sold amid controversy over its authenticity. Still, both show the huge sums art can command.
Other recent sales include a Warhol Marilyn for $195 million in 2022. Modern art keeps setting benchmarks.
Factors like rarity and history drive these prices. Klimt’s portrait had all that, plus a compelling backstory.
The art market saw ups and downs in 2024, but 2025 starts strong with this deal.
Impact on the Global Art Market
This sale signals confidence among collectors. It could spark more high-value auctions in coming months.
Museums and galleries watch closely. Such prices make public access harder, as works go to private hands.
It also raises questions about art as investment. Values can soar, but markets fluctuate.
Experts predict more records soon. With inflation and wealth growth, art remains a hot asset.
Looking Ahead for Klimt’s Legacy
Klimt’s works continue to inspire. This sale puts him back in the spotlight, drawing new fans to his style.
Future auctions might feature more from private collections. Keep an eye on Sotheby’s and Christie’s for updates.
What do you think about this record-breaking sale? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow art lovers.
