Record at Sotheby’s for Leonard Lauder’s Klimt – News
A Klimt masterpiece Shatters Records: Elizabeth Lederer Portrait Sells for $236 Million
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On November 19, 2025, Gustav Klimt‘s portrait of elizabeth Lederer achieved a monumental $236 million at a Sotheby’s auction, establishing a new record for the artist. The sale marked the inaugural event held within Sotheby’s newly established headquarters in the Breuer Building on Madison avenue in New York City.
The Portrait’s Provenance and Significance
Commissioned in 1914 by Elizabeth Lederer’s parents, the portrait depicts the daughter of a prominent patron of Klimt. The painting remained in private hands for decades before being acquired in 1985 by Leonard Lauder, the late cosmetics magnate, thru the Serge sabarsky Gallery.
Lauder, who passed away in June 2023, was a dedicated collector of Klimt’s work. This portrait represents the first of three Klimt paintings from the Lauder Collection to be offered at auction, signaling a significant shift in the landscape of art collecting.
The lauder Collection and Klimt’s Market
Leonard Lauder’s collection is renowned for its focus on Austrian and German modern art,particularly works by Klimt,Egon Schiele,and Oskar Kokoschka. The decision to auction portions of this collection is expected to further stimulate the market for these artists.
The record-breaking sale of the Lederer portrait demonstrates the continued demand for Klimt’s iconic style, characterized by its opulent ornamentation and psychological depth. Experts anticipate strong results for the remaining Klimt works from the Lauder Collection.
Auction Details and Market Trends
The auction itself was described as thrilling
, with intense bidding competition driving the price to its unprecedented level. Sotheby’s new Breuer Building, designed by Marcel Breuer, provided a striking backdrop for the event.
| Artist | Work | Sale Price | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gustav Klimt | Portrait of elizabeth Lederer | $236 million | November 19, 2025 |
The sale of the lederer portrait confirms the sustained strength of the ultra-high-end art market, despite global economic uncertainties.