Portrait of Dr. Gachet
The most expensive painting by Van Gogh is "Portrait of Dr. Gachet," which sold at Christie's in 1990 for $82.5 million. The work depicts Dr. Paul Gachet, who treated Van Gogh in Auvers-sur-Oise.
At the time, the record made headlines worldwide and highlighted the premium placed on masterpieces by the Dutch post-impressionist. The sale remains a benchmark for high-value Old Master and modern art transactions.
Why It Sold for So Much
Collectors value the piece because it is one of Van Gogh's most iconic portraits and a key work from his final months. Its provenance, rarity, and emotional resonance drive demand among institutional and private buyers.
Where It Is Now
The buyer was the Ryoei Saito Foundation, and the painting remains in a private collection. Information about its current location is not publicly disclosed, which is common for works held by private owners.
