Post by : Saif Rahman

A remarkable painting by the renowned Spanish master Pablo Picasso has been sold for $31.49 million during an auction in Paris, sparking excitement among art enthusiasts globally. The piece, named “Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat (Dora Maar) 1943”, is widely recognized as a portrayal of Picasso’s muse and romantic partner, Dora Maar.

Having remained within a private French family collection since 1944, this artwork had never been displayed to the public prior to its auction. Only a singular photograph from 1944 existed to verify its presence, rendering this auction a landmark event for art collectors and historians alike.

The Drouot auction house announced that the final sale price, inclusive of fees, totaled 32 million euros, approximately $37.19 million. The buyer, who was present in the room, chose to keep their identity undisclosed.

Auctioneer Christophe Lucien referred to this painting as “the most poignant work of Picasso involving his muse,” noting that it captures a woman on the verge of tears, reflecting the personal turmoil in Picasso’s life as he was poised to leave Dora Maar for another artist, Francoise Gilot.

Art connoisseur Agnes Sevestre-Barbe conveyed that the heirs opted to sell the painting as it could not be amicably divided among them, rendering a private sale unfeasible.

This auction underscores the lasting appeal and value of Picasso’s creations, particularly those tied to his personal experiences. For many years, collectors and admirers had longed to witness this heartfelt portrait in person.

With its unique blend of historical relevance, scarcity, and emotional resonance, “Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat” is set to remain a prominent Picasso masterpiece within private collections globally.

#Society