Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Klimt's 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer' Sets Modern Art Record at $236M
A painting by Gustav Klimt called 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer' was sold for $236 million at an auction.
This is the most money ever paid for a modern art piece.
The painting is one of only two full-length Klimt portraits still owned by private people.
It was taken by Nazis, but returned to the family after the war.
It was owned by a rich man named Leonard A. Lauder until he died this year.
Gustav Klimt's 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer' sold for $236 million at Sotheby's
The painting is one of two full-length Klimt portraits remaining in private hands
It is now the second most expensive artwork ever sold at auction
The painting was looted by Nazis, survived a fire during World War II, and was returned to the Lederer family in 1948
The painting was part of Leonard A. Lauder's collection until his death earlier this year
- Who
- Gustav Klimt, Elisabeth Lederer, Leonard A. Lauder
- What
- Sold a painting at an auction
- When
- Tuesday, November 16, 2021
- Where
- Sotheby's, New York
- Why
- To raise money for art
- Artist
- Gustav Klimt
- Artwork
- Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer
- Previous Owner
- Leonard A. Lauder
Sources
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With $236 million price tag, Klimt portrait becomes most expensive modern artwork ever sold
All you need to know about Klimt’s canvas that is now the most expensive modern artwork
Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer, painted by Gustav Klimt, fetches record price at an auction
'America' Sells For Rs 1.21 Crore. It's A 101 Kg, 18-Karat Solid Gold Toilet
Gustav Klimt painting sells for $236 million at NY auction, what's the story of the record-breaking Portrait
