What is the most expensive art piece in history?

Answer 1

Answer 1: Napoleon's Talisman: The Crystal Sphinx

After Napoleon returned from Egypt in 1799, he commissioned this spectacular sculpted and jeweled piece of artwork. This was Napoleon's "talisman" or "good luck charm" as we might call it today. Napoleon spent a considerable amount of time planning the intricate design of the jewels that compose the base of this sphinx. The jewels are arranged in a secret code that reflects Napoleon's love for his wife, Josephine, and his successful military and political career.

Napoleon's personal Talisman was made to replicate The Mona Lisa's look when Napoleon kept the Mona Lisa at his residence while the Crystal Sphinx Talisman of Josephine Bonaparte was created from 1800-1804. After it was completed, he returned the Mona Lisa to the Louvre for permanent display.

"Napoleon called the Mona Lisa "the sphinx of the Occident."

Careful examination of the Mona Lisa and the crystal sphinx reveal some remarkable similarities. The captivating, yet enigmatic "smile" of the Mona Lisa was produced by subtle shadows at the corners of the mouth that make it impossible to discern the intent of the Mona Lisa "smile." This shadowing at the corners of the mouth appears to go both up and down and this enchanting look is brilliantly duplicated by the sculptor of the crystal sphinx in three dimensions." (Excerpt from Napoleon's Talisman: The Crystal Sphinx)

This is one of the greatest historic art pieces ever created. The crystal sphinx was deciphered by Randy Jensen over a period of 5 years and he continues to uncover more hidden messages left to those who can find them. There is a introspect shown in the more recent movie "The Da Vinci Code that shows how little the masses know about underlying codes created by master artisans and their commissioners.

Answer 2:

To know everything about this sphinx click link below. There are pictures so you can judge for yourself whether there is indeed any similarity to 'Mona Lisa'.

Also see link for auction prices.