Stunning Picasso Portrait of Muse Dora Maar Reemerges to Fetch $37 Million at Auction

In a stunning event in Paris, a vibrant Picasso portrait of his longtime muse Dora Maar sold for €32 million (about $37 million) at auction. This sale exceeded expectations and marked a notable moment in the art world, although it fell short of Picasso’s record-breaking works.

The painting, titled “Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat,” showcases Maar in a bright floral hat. Created in July 1943, it reflects a turbulent time in their relationship. Though bought in 1944, the artwork had remained unseen in a private collection for over 80 years.

The auction took place at Drouot and garnered significant attention. Auctioneer Christophe Lucien described the sale as “an enormous success,” highlighting that it became the highest for any artwork sold in France this year. The final sale price was €32,012,397 after buyer fees, with a hammer price of €27 million.

This painting tells a bittersweet story about Picasso and Maar. Upon meeting, she quickly became his muse, even modeling for “Guernica,” one of his most famous works. Their relationship, however, faced its challenges, especially as Picasso moved on to younger partners. Maar lived a reclusive life until her passing at age 89.

Agnès Sevestre-Barbé, a Picasso specialist, emphasized the painting’s remarkable colors and texture, noting, “This painting looks just as it did when it left the studio.” Previously known only through a black-and-white photo, the vibrant hues come alive in this rediscovered piece.

In the context of today’s art market, this sale reflects a growing interest in historic works. Recent statistics show that auctions for high-value art pieces have seen increasing participation from buyers across the globe. This trend underscores the lasting appeal of masters like Picasso, as collectors from places like the U.S., Europe, and Asia engage with such artworks.

While this recent sale was impressive, it doesn’t come close to Picasso’s record auction prices. His painting “Femme à la montre” sold for $139.4 million in 2023. The highest price ever paid for a Picasso work remains $179.4 million, achieved in 2015 for “Les Femmes d’Alger.” This contrast highlights both the enduring market for his works and the competitive, evolving nature of art auctions.

Source link