Liputan6.com, Jakarta A masterpiece of modern art, "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" by legendary painter Gustav Klimt, has just set a record in the auction world.
This iconic painting sold for a staggering US$236.4 million.
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The historic sale took place on Tuesday evening, November 18, 2025, at the prestigious auction house Sotheby's New York.
The event marked the inaugural auction in Sotheby's newly opened Breuer building, adding a special touch to this record-breaking moment.
This extraordinary sale ranks it as the second most expensive work of art ever sold at auction globally.
Spectacular Sale at Sotheby's New York
The auction of "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" at Sotheby's New York has become a major highlight in the art world.
The hammer price for the painting reached US$205 million, and after auction fees were added, the total price paid by buyers reached US$236.4 million.
This achievement surpassed the previous auction record for Gustav Klimt's "Dame mit Fächer (Lady with Fan)," which sold for £85.3 million in 2023.
Furthermore, this sale makes "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" the most valuable work ever sold by Sotheby's worldwide, setting a new record for the auction house.
The auction was dramatic, with a fierce bidding war lasting nearly 20 minutes.
At least six collectors were involved in the vying for the painting, with bids sometimes rising to multiples of US$5 million.
The successful buyer, who made the bid by phone, was represented by Julian Dawes, Sotheby's vice chairman and head of Impressionist and Modern Art.
The buyer's identity remains confidential, as reported by The Guardian.
The painting comes from the collection of the late billionaire cosmetics heir, Leonard A. Lauder, who died this year at the age of 92.
Lauder was known as a renowned art collector with an impressive collection valued at over US$400 million.
"Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" has adorned Lauder's home for decades, only occasionally being loaned for brief exhibitions at art galleries.
About Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer
The painting, officially titled "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" or "Bildnis Elisabeth Lederer" in German, also known as "Portrait of Elisabeth Bachofen-Echt," is a masterpiece by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.
It was created between 1914 and 1916, in oil on canvas.
The subject of this painting is Elisabeth Lederer, daughter of August and Serena Lederer, Klimt's most important art patrons.
In the painting, Elisabeth is depicted at age 20, wearing a flowing white dress and posing gracefully in front of a background rich with East Asian influences.
The painting's dimensions are quite large, measuring 180.4 cm × 130.5 cm.
Elisabeth Lederer married Baron Wolfgang von Bachofen-Echt in 1921.
Sadly, he died on October 19, 1944, of a serious illness.
This self-portrait not only captures the beauty of a young woman but also bears silent witness to the close relationship between the artist and his patron.
The History of Klimt's Painting
The "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" has a long and tumultuous history.
This painting was commissioned by Elisabeth's parents in 1914.
Interestingly, Klimt and Serena Lederer often argued over the painting, as Klimt was never completely satisfied with the result.
Serena Lederer even allegedly took the painting from Klimt's studio in 1916, believing it to be finished.
After the Nazi Anschluss in 1938, the Lederer family's art collection was looted by the Nazis.
To avoid persecution, Elisabeth Lederer fabricated the story that Gustav Klimt was her biological father.
With the help of her former brother-in-law, a senior Nazi official, she managed to obtain documents declaring her Klimt descent, allowing her to remain safely in Vienna until her death in 1944.
Miraculously, the "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" survived the war.
After the war, in 1948, the painting was returned to Erich Lederer, Elisabeth's brother.
The painting remained in his possession until 1983, when he sold it to art dealer Serge Sabarsky.
In 1985, "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" was acquired by Leonard Lauder, and has since become part of his prestigious private collection.
It is one of only two full-length Klimt portraits still in private hands, making it extremely rare and valuable.
More than just a work of art, this portrait is a legacy of patronage, a lifelong connection, and an enduring dialogue between the painter and his muse.