Auction gem: highest price achieved by a female artist

In 'Auction Gem of the Week', MASTERS spotlights unique objects that will go under the hammer. Because March 8 is International Women's Day, MASTERS highlights the most expensive work by a woman ever sold at auction.

Because March 8 is International Women's Day, MASTERS shines a light on the highest auctioned work made by a female artist especially for the occasion.

The highest grossing auctioned work by a female artist to date is Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1 by the American Georgia O'Keeffe (1887). The artist is also seen as the mother of American modernism and was best known for her detailed paintings of flowers. 

O'Keeffe played an important role in bringing an American painting style to Europe. She was one of the few women who had professional influence at this level. With her influence, the artist managed to make the path easier for female, modern artists. 

George Bush

Her work Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1. disappeared under the hammer of Sotheby's in 2014. Fun fact: the painting of the white blossom once hung above George W. Bush's kitchen table. Ultimately, it fetched more than three times the estimated amount: the new owner paid - converted at the current US dollar rate - € 14.8 million for the colorful work.