A vibrant Pablo Picasso portrait of his longtime muse and partner Dora Maar sold for 32 million euros (approximately $37 million) at auction on Friday, including fees. The painting had been hidden from public view for more than eight decades before going under the hammer, surpassing initial expectations though falling well short of the Spanish master's most expensive works ever sold at auction.
The artwork, titled "Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat (Dora Maar)," was completed by Picasso in July 1943 during a particularly turbulent period in his personal life. The portrait showcases Maar wearing a brilliantly colored floral hat, painted in the artist's distinctive style that combines bold colors with angular geometric forms. The piece captures not only Maar's physical likeness but also reflects the complex emotional dynamics of their relationship during that time.
Dora Maar, who was an accomplished artist and photographer in her own right, served as both Picasso's romantic partner and artistic muse for approximately seven years. By the time this portrait was created in 1943, their passionate but tumultuous relationship was drawing to a painful conclusion. Maar had been a significant figure in Picasso's life during some of his most productive years, inspiring numerous works that are now considered masterpieces of 20th-century art.
The painting's remarkable provenance adds to its significance in the art world. The work was acquired by a private collector in 1944, just one year after its completion, and had remained within the same family collection ever since. This means the portrait had never appeared on the art market until Friday's auction, making it an exceptionally rare opportunity for collectors and museums to acquire a major Picasso work that had been essentially unknown to the public for eight decades.
While the final sale price of $37 million represents a substantial sum and exceeded pre-auction estimates, it remains far below the record prices achieved by Picasso's most sought-after pieces. The result nonetheless demonstrates the continued strong market demand for works by the legendary artist, particularly those with compelling personal stories and impeccable provenance like this newly emerged portrait of Dora Maar.
