The names behind these record breaking artworks are the new royalty of the art world. Read about the most expensive Nigerian paintings auctioned in recent times.

1. Bush babies - N1.2 billion

In this list, Nigerian-born painter Njideka Akunyili Crosby, daughter of the late Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili leads with the most number of paintings. In September of this year, her painting, Bush Babies, was acquired at a record-breaking $3.4 million at Sotheby’s art house in New York, making it the most expensive Nigerian art sold at an auction.

Sotheby's described Akunyili Crosby as "the most valuable Nigerian artist ever and one of the most valuable female artists of all time".

2. The Beautyful Ones - N1.1 billion

This mixed media painting is another gem from Njideka Akunyili Crosby, depicting the artist's older sister. The painting sold for $3,075,774 at Christie’s London in 2017. Akunyili Crosby made The Beautyful Ones in 2012 during her residency at the Studio Museum in Harlem, and has turned it into a series of paintings.

3. Tutu - N508 million