Most expensive paintings

Only few people in the world are rich enough to buy these paintings for their private collections. Most prefer to bid anonymously and keep their identities secret for security reasons.

• Pablo Picasso, Garcon à la pipe (Boy with a pipe) the highest amount ever paid for painting at auction. E52 million, may 2004

• Sir Peter Paul Rubens, Massacre of the Innocents l, E45million, July 2002

• Vincent van Gogh, portrait di Dr Gachet, E44.5 million, May 1990

• Pablo picasso, Dora maar with cat, E46.4 million, may 2006

• J.M.W. Turner, Gludecca, La Donna Della salute and San Giorgio, the most expensive painting by a British artist, E20.4 million, April 2006