Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Gustav Klimt's Holocaust-Linked Masterpiece Sells for Record $236M
A painting by Gustav Klimt, which helped save a Jewish woman's life during the Holocaust, was sold for a record-breaking $236 million.
The portrait, 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer', was part of the collection of Leonard A. Lauder and is one of only two full-length Klimt portraits still in private hands.
The painting was created over three years from 1914 to 1916 and shows Elisabeth Lederer wrapped in a cloak inspired by East Asian imperial attire.
The sale took place at Sotheby's in New York and was part of a larger auction that included other notable artworks.
Gustav Klimt's 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer' sold for $236.4 million
The painting played a role in saving its Jewish sitter during the Holocaust
It's the highest price ever paid for a modern artwork
The portrait was part of the collection of Leonard A. Lauder
Other notable artworks by Van Gogh, Matisse, and Munch also sold
- Who
- Gustav Klimt, Elisabeth Lederer, Leonard A. Lauder
- What
- Sold Klimt's 'Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer' for $236.4 million
- When
- Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025
- Where
- Sotheby's in New York
- Why
- To set a new record for a modern artwork
Art as Investment
Art as Cultural Heritage
Record-Breaking Sale
Art as Investment
The high price reflects the investment value of art, especially works by renowned artists like Klimt.
Art as Cultural Heritage
The sale price highlights the commercialization of art and the loss of cultural heritage to private collectors.
- Artist
- Gustav Klimt
- Subject
- Elisabeth Lederer
- Creation Date
- 1914-1916
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Size
- 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall
- Previous Owner
- Leonard A. Lauder