6. Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers
Sold for around $83.6 million (original price at the time $39.9 million)
Painted in 1888
I guess that the first association that people have when they hear the name Van Gogh are sunflowers, and perhaps even the other way around (at least art enthusiasts). This is one of the most famous and recognizable paintings by Van Gogh. If you are familiar with his work, then you know that this one that ranks 6th on our list of most expensive Van Gogh paintings is only one from his Sunflower series (total of 12 canvases). When he started painting this passionate looking flower, Van Gogh very soon realized that there is something special about “his sunflowers”, and that they can be his trademark. The famous painter and his friend, Paul Gauguin, was truly fascinated by them, and even asked for one as a gift. We all experience art in a different way, and as for Van Gogh those paintings from the Sunflower series simply “communicated gratitude”.
