Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer” Sells for Record Price

Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer” Sells for Record Price

The renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt’s artwork, “Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer,” was sold at Sotheby’s auction in New York on November 18, 2025, for $236.4 million. This price marks one of the highest records in Klimt’s career and has drawn significant attention in the contemporary art world.

The Painting and Its History

The “Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer” (1914–1916) is an oil-on-canvas masterpiece. Elisabeth Lederer is depicted in an oriental-style dress, rendered in Klimt’s distinctive ornamental style. Elisabeth Lederer was the daughter of the famous Lederer collector family in Vienna, and the painting faced threats during World War II from the Nazis. The work holds special significance in the history of the Lederer family.

Auction Details

The painting was last held in Leonard A. Lauder’s collection and was sold in just 20 minutes at Sotheby’s. The buyer has not been publicly disclosed.

The sale of the “Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer” for $236.4 million reaffirms Klimt’s enduring significance in the art world. This record highlights not only the painter’s creative legacy but also the global importance of the contemporary art market.