A significant painting by Pablo Picasso, unseen by the public for 80 years, is now on display at the French auction house Lucien Paris. The artwork, a 1943 portrait of Dora Maar, Picasso's lover and muse, is expected to fetch around $9.5 million at auction.
This rare public viewing precedes its sale on October 24 at Hôtel Drouot in Paris. The painting offers a unique glimpse into a pivotal period in Picasso's career and his complex relationship with Maar.
Key Takeaways
- Pablo Picasso's portrait of Dora Maar, 'Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat', is on display.
- The painting has not been publicly exhibited for 80 years.
- It was created in 1943, near the end of Picasso's relationship with Maar.
- Lucien Paris auction house estimates its value at approximately $9.5 million.
- The sale is scheduled for October 24 at Hôtel Drouot in Paris.
Rare Public Display of Historic Artwork
The painting, titled 'Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat (Dora Maar)', depicts Dora Maar, who was not only Picasso's lover and muse but also an accomplished artist herself. Painted in 1943, the work captures Maar during a turbulent period in both their personal lives and world history.
Before its current display, the portrait was exhibited only a few times outside Picasso's studio. It was acquired by a private collector in August 1944. The current anonymous seller inherited the painting from a grandparent, ensuring its long-term privacy.
Painting Details
- Title: Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat (Dora Maar)
- Artist: Pablo Picasso
- Year: 1943
- Subject: Dora Maar, artist and Picasso's muse
- Last Public Viewing: Approximately 80 years ago
The History of 'Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat'
Photographic evidence confirms the painting's existence within Picasso's collection. Two 1944 photographs by Brassaï show the artwork stacked among others in Picasso's studio. These images are featured in the auction house's catalogue, providing crucial documentation of its provenance.
The painting's journey from Picasso's studio to a private collection in 1944, and its subsequent re-emergence, highlights its historical significance. Its long absence from public view makes its current exhibition a notable event for art enthusiasts and historians.
"This painting represents a powerful moment in Picasso's artistic journey and his relationship with Dora Maar. Its reappearance after decades is truly exceptional," stated a representative from Lucien Paris.
Auction Estimate and Market Context
Lucien Paris has set an estimated value of approximately $9.5 million for 'Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat'. This figure, reported by The Guardian, positions the painting as a significant offering, though it is considerably below Picasso's all-time auction record.
Picasso's current auction record stands at $179.4 million, achieved in 2015 at Christie's New York for his 1955 painting 'Les femmes d'Alger (Version ‘O’)'. That artwork was reportedly sold to the Qatari royal Al Thani family, demonstrating the high value placed on his most iconic works.
Picasso's Market Value
Pablo Picasso remains one of the most sought-after artists in the global art market. His works consistently command high prices, especially those from his most influential periods. The value of a Picasso painting depends on factors such as its subject, period, size, condition, and provenance.
Dora Maar's Influence on Picasso's Art
'Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat' is one of many portraits Picasso created of Dora Maar. Their intense relationship, which spanned from 1936 to 1943, profoundly impacted Picasso's artistic output. Maar was a significant figure in his life, inspiring numerous works.
This particular portrait was painted towards the end of their relationship. Maar's image frequently appeared in Picasso's art, often reflecting her emotional state or the complexities of their bond.
The 'Weeping Woman' Series
More widely known is Picasso's 1937 'Weeping Woman' series. These powerful works depict Maar in various states of turmoil and distress, reflecting the anguish and suffering of the Spanish Civil War. The series is considered a direct response to his monumental anti-war painting, 'Guernica'.
The 'Weeping Woman' paintings showcase Picasso's ability to convey profound emotion through distorted forms and vibrant colors. They cemented Maar's place as one of his most important muses, whose image became synonymous with the era's suffering.
Dora Maar: Beyond the Muse
Dora Maar (born Henriette Theodora Marković) was a French photographer, painter, and poet. She was a prominent figure in the Surrealist movement and maintained her own successful artistic career. Her relationship with Picasso, while artistically fertile, was also emotionally challenging.
- Born: 1907
- Died: 1997
- Known for: Surrealist photography, painting, and being Picasso's muse
The Upcoming Auction
The sale of 'Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat' will take place on October 24 at Hôtel Drouot, a historic auction house located in Paris. This event is expected to attract considerable interest from international collectors and art institutions.
The opportunity to acquire a Picasso painting with such a rich history and an 80-year absence from public view is rare. Art market analysts anticipate strong bidding, reflecting the enduring appeal and investment value of Picasso's work.
The auction offers a chance for a new owner to bring this significant piece of art history back into public or private appreciation, adding another chapter to its remarkable story.