Sculptures are generally considered to be an easily understandable and relatable form of art. For years, they acted as a medium of expression in religion as well as politics. Though, records for the most expensive art are being broken all the time, these sculptures are considered to be the most valuable masterpieces that gained the attention of museums and private collectors over the years.
For the Love of God for $100 million
For the Love of God is one of Damien Hirst’s most important and widely recognised works and was sold in a private sale in 2007 for a whooping price of $100 million. Made from diamonds, platinum and human teeth, the sculpture features an 18th-century human skull embellished with 8.601 flawless diamonds. On its forehead you can see a pear-shaped diamond known as the Skull Star Diamond. It was reported that initially singer George Michael and Kenny Goss were interested in purchasing this piece of art.
Balloon Dog for $58 million
American artist Jeff Koons known for his brightly coloured reflective sculptures that resemble balloons sold his work titled Balloon Dog (Orange) for an impressive sum of $58.4 million at Christies in 2013. This stainless steel sculpture with transparent colour coating is one of five in a series with the other versions being blue, magenta, red and yellow.
Balloon Dog
Tête for $59.5 million
Italian Jewish painter and sculptor Amedeo Clemente Modigliani’s limestone sculpture was bought by an anonymous telephone bidder in a Christie’s auction in 2010. It is said that the sculpture was in possession of Gaston Lévy, an artist and acquaintance of Modigliani since 1927. It is also noted that Tête is one of 27 known sculptures by Modigliani made between 1910 and 1912.
Tête
Guennol Lioness for $57.2 million
Sotheby’s sold this 5,000-year-old Mesopotamian limestone statue found near Baghdad, Iraq created by an unknown artist for $57.2 million in 2007. According to the auction house, it is “one of the last known masterworks from the dawn of civilisation remaining in private hands.” Measuring just over 8 cm, this artifact is termed as the most expensive antique sold till date.
Guennol Lioness
Pointing Man for $141.3 million
Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti is among the first three spots in the most expensive sculptures sold ever. His Pointing Man was sold for $141.3 million while his Walking Man I was picked for $104.3 million and Chariot for $101 million.
Pointing Man
Pointing Man or L’Homme Au Doigt is a bronze sculpture standing at five feet 10 inches made in the year 1947. It was sold at a Christie’s auction in New York. Christie’s called it the world’s costliest sculpture and a “rare masterpiece.” It was also noted as the Giacometti’s most iconic and evocative sculpture of all time.
