12.12.2023 – 16:59

Study about the Most Valuable Artworks in the World

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Study about the Most Valuable Artworks in the World

The creative city of Leipzig is at the crossroads of a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant contemporary art scene. As a destination fascinated by art, Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH assigned a study analysing over 150 works of art ranging from traditional oil on canvas, to sculpture, up to cutting-edge digital art and NFTs. The study ranks the 152 most valuable artworks by living and deceased artists and reveals that none of them are by female artists. The list includes many of the most famous artists in history, with Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi” topping the list with an estimated value of $537 million. The highest priced work of art by a living artist is “False Start” by Jasper Johns, estimated at $116 million. All data details and stories related to Leipzig's art scene can be found here: https://www.leipzig.travel/artandculture

Three German Artists and Art Around the World

The research revealed that the 152 most valuable artworks were created by 55 artists from different parts of the world. In particular, there are 16 American, 10 French and 7 British artists among the contributors. The living artist with the most valuable work is the American Jasper Johns, with an impressive portfolio of 6 works on the list. The legendary Pablo Picasso is the only Spanish artist in the top spot with 18 works, while Vincent van Gogh and Andy Warhol are in second and third place, respectively. Leipzig's Neo Rauch, a pioneer of the city's art revival, is one of three German artists on the list. His work “Platz (Square)” a has an estimated value of $2.3 million.

Living Artists and the Leipzig School of Painting

The research identified only ten living artists among the most valuable works, including two Germans born in Saxony. The legacy of the Leipzig School contributes to Leipzig's status as a centre for the visual arts. It’s accociated with the prestigious Leipzig Academy of Fine Arts (HGB), which established a painting class in 1961. The term New Leipzig School refers to its third generation students, for whom Neo Rauch is an important figure. He exemplifies the artistic vitality of the city and has left his mark on the Leipzig art scene and beyond. Neo Rauch was one of the first art pioneers to settle down in the Spinnerei area.

Today, the former cotton mill has been transformed into the Spinnerei Art Centre, a unique art hotspot in Leipzig that houses 14 galleries and more than 100 art studios. Three times a year, many of the studios open their doors for the Spinnerei Tours, offering a behind the scenes experience for contemporary art enthusiasts and lovers of industrial architecture. Leipzig's cultural tapestry extends to institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts (MdbK), the G2 Kunsthalle, and the GRASSI Museum of Applied Arts, demonstrating the city's commitment to preserving and promoting its artistic heritage. Visitors are invited to explore Leipzig's unique museums year round.

Women in Art and Leipzig’s Contribution to It

The fact that none of the artworks on the list are attributed to a woman should give pause for thought. Aware of historical constraints, Leipzig pays tribute to the important role of women in art. Pioneers such as Rosa Loy, affiliated with the New Leipzig School, explored the mysteries of femininity, drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of Saxon painting.

Today, Leipzig's Spinnerei Art Centre proudly hosts the all-women gallery She BAM! , which not only amplifies the voices of female artists but also embodies Leipzig's unwavering commitment to inclusivity and artistic innovation. Lætitia Gorsy, founder of She BAM! comments: “While it is of course disappointing to see no females in the list, it really shines a light on the lack of gender equality that has existed throughout history. I believe the key takeaway from this should be that we need to focus on the importance of women creating space for other women to create their art. A continuous sharing of all things, a transfer of power. Gender equality is not a women’s issue, it's a social and economic issue.”

The city continues to showcase the profound contributions of women to the art world, with ongoing special exhibitions such as the one dedicated to Evelyn Richter at the Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig. From 17 November 2023 to 17 March 2024, this exhibition, entitled 'Evelyn Richter: A Photographer's Life,' will explore the role of Richter and her contemporaries, including Eva Wagner-Zimmermann, Ursula Arnold, and Christa Sammler, and highlight the challenges faced by female artists of her generation.

Stefan Weppelmann, a German art historian and director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Leipzig adds: "There were and are fantastic female artists. Works by the Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi are now worth millions. But the art market has always been male-dominated. Fortunately, times are slowly but surely changing.”

Further Information

The extensive study was conducted by the Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH in collaboration with Lemongrass Marketing Ltd in November 2023. The full methodology and data tables can be found here, as well as links about unique art venues in Leipzig:

Are you interested in a media trip to get an authentic impression of the Leipzig Region and its diverse facets? Please feel free to contact us and let us know about your topics. Further information is available at www.leipzig.travel/press

Dana Marschner
International PR Manager
 
Phone +49 341 7104-333 • Fax +49 341 7104-344
 international-pr@ltm-leipzig.de •  www.leipzig.travel/en

Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH • Augustusplatz 9 • 04109 Leipzig • Germany
CEO: Volker Bremer • Amtsgericht Leipzig [Leipzig District Court] • Registration number: HRB 123 48 • Vat number: DE 1845 16 233

This initiative is co-financed from tax revenues on the basis of the budget agreed by the Members of the State Parliament of Saxony.