Debut of Scarce Picasso Artwork at Paris Auction Center
A previously unknown portrait by Pablo Picasso, titled 'Bust of a woman with a flowery hat', has been unveiled for auction in Paris, with a reserve price of 8 million euros ($9.5 million). The painting, created in 1943, showcases Dora Maar, a French photographer, painter, and poet who was Picasso's most significant muse.
The painting, which measures 80 x 60 centimeters (31 x 24 inches), was acquired in August 1944 by a French collector, who is the grandfather of the current owners. It will be auctioned at the Drouot auction house in Paris on September 18, 2025.
Dora Maar, known for her melancholic but harmonious face, is depicted wearing a colorful, flowery hat in this artwork. The piece is one of over 60 based on Maar, making it a significant addition to Picasso's oeuvre.
The painting, unknown to the public and never exhibited, was revealed by Picasso specialist Agnes Sevestre-Barbe. Sevestre-Barbe stated that the painting is 'quite exceptional and marks a milestone in the history of art and in that of Picasso.'
The affair between Picasso and Maar, conducted almost entirely in Spanish, began in 1936 and is credited by some with helping Picasso rekindle his creative spark. The two even collaborated on his masterpiece 'Guernica', with Maar photographing the black and white anti-war work, and Picasso using her images to develop the canvas.
The sale of this painting comes at a time when sales of Picasso's works have seen a significant drop. In 2024, sales totaled $223 million, a significant drop from the $597 million spent on his art the previous year. Despite this, Picasso's paintings continue to be used as a leading indicator for the art market.
The record sale for one of Picasso's works was 'The Women of Algiers (Version O)', a 1955 oil painting which sold for $179.4 million at Christie's in New York in 2015. The most recent sale of a Picasso painting was 'Homme assis', a painting of a seated musketeer from 1969, which sold for $15.1 million at Sotheby's in New York on May 13.
The sellers of the painting are divesting it as part of an inheritance settlement. The painting will undoubtedly attract attention from art collectors and enthusiasts alike, as it offers a rare glimpse into Picasso's intimate relationship with one of his most important muses.
