When you're as successful as Oprah Winfrey [1], you can live as large as Oprah Winfrey. The billionaire thinks nothing of buying Telluride mansions [2], television networks [3], and weight-loss companies [4]. But one of her most impressive purchases was that of a stunning painting by famed Austrian artist Gustav Klimt. Through her Oprah Winfrey Network, she purchased "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II" in a 2006 Christie's auction for $87.9 million. A decade later, Oprah resold the dazzling piece for a jaw-dropping $150 million, earning her a profit of $62.1 million. Bloomberg reports [5] that this was one of the biggest private art deals of 2016. Although we would have a hard time saying goodbye to this breathtaking portrait, we have to give Oprah major business props. She knows how to turn every business venture into solid gold.
![]()