Pablo Picasso

Several paintings by Pablo Picasso -- one of the most influential artists of the 20th century -- rank among the most expensive paintings in the world.

“Garçon à la pipe” sold for US$104 million at Sotheby's on 4 May 2004, establishing a new price record. “Dora Maar au Chat” sold for US$95.2 million at Sotheby's on 3 May 2006. On 4 May 2010, “Nude, Green Leaves and Bust” was sold at Christie's for $106.5 million.

Not surprisingly, more of his paintings have been stolen than those by any other artist; the Art Loss Register has a staggering number of 550 of his works listed as missing.