Rare Picasso Portrait of Dora Maar Fetches $31 Million in Paris Auction

Post by : Saif Nasser

A stunning painting by the renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso has achieved a sale price of $31.49 million at a Paris auction on Friday, thrilling art enthusiasts worldwide. Titled “Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat (Dora Maar) 1943”, the artwork is believed to portray Picasso’s muse and companion, Dora Maar.

This particular piece had remained in a private French family's collection since 1944, with no public viewings until now. The only visual documentation available was a single photograph from 1944, marking the auction as a momentous occasion for collectors and art historians alike.

The Drouot auction house reported that the final price, including fees, amounted to 32 million euros, approximately $37.19 million. The buyer, who was present at the auction, opted to stay anonymous.

Auctioneer Christophe Lucien referred to this painting as “the most poignant work of Picasso featuring his muse,” highlighting its emotional resonance, as it reflects the turmoil of Picasso's life during the period leading to his breakup with Dora Maar in favor of another artist, Francoise Gilot.

Art historian Agnes Sevestre-Barbe pointed out that the heirs agreed to sell the painting because it could not be divided among them, rendering a private sale impractical.

This sale emphasizes the lasting allure and significance of Picasso's artworks, particularly those intertwined with his personal narrative. For many years, art fans and collectors have dreamed of the opportunity to witness this intimate portrayal in real life.

With its rich historical context, rarity, and emotional intensity, “Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat” is set to remain a distinguished piece within private collections globally.