ARTWORKS THAT TURNED GOLD INTO MILLIONS

When It Comes To Gold-Infused Art, Things Get Even More Fascinating—Because People Don't Just Want To Own Gold, They Want To Own Gold That Tells A Story.

- BY ESHIKA CHOPRA

Gold—it’s been the ultimate flex for centuries. From Egyptian tombs dripping in it to modern-day collectors battling over Klimt’s golden-hued masterpieces, art and gold have shared an undeniable love affair. But what makes gold-infused artwork so irresistible? Is it the luminous glow? The symbolic status? Or just the sheer indulgence of owning something that screams, Look at me, I’m rich!

Let’s take a shimmering deep dive into the most expensive gold-inspired artworks ever sold, the collectors who shelled out millions, and why this gilded obsession continues to dominate the art world.

GUSTAV KLIMT’S PORTRAIT OF ADELE BLOCH-BAUER II - $88 MILLION

Because One Adele Wasn’t Enough

Klimt’s obsession with Adele didn’t stop at one portrait—he painted her again in Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II, this time replacing gold with vibrant patterns. While it lacks the metallic brilliance of its predecessor, it still fetched a whopping $88 million at a 2006 Christie’s auction.

Here’s where it gets even more interesting— Oprah Winfrey secretly owned the painting for years before selling it in 2016 for an estimated $150 million. Adele, it seems, is the gift that keeps on appreciating.

DAMIEN HIRST’S FOR THE LOVE OF GOD - $100 MILLION