French Engineer Secures €1 Million Picasso Masterpiece in €100 Charity Raffle
A French engineer, Ari Hodara, has won an original Pablo Picasso painting valued at approximately €1 million (equivalent to £868,950) after purchasing a single €100 ticket in a charity raffle. The 58-year-old sales engineer was randomly selected during a live-streamed ceremony hosted by Christie's in Paris, expressing profound surprise at his unexpected victory.
Details of the Prize and Raffle
The prize, titled 'Tête de femme' (Head of a Woman), is a 1941 gouache-on-paper portrait that depicts Picasso's partner and muse, Dora Maar. This artwork is part of the '1 Picasso for €100' raffle, which is now in its third edition. The raffle successfully sold all 120,000 tickets globally, generating a total of €12 million (approximately £10.4 million).
Charitable Contributions and Fund Allocation
Approximately €11 million (around £9.5 million) of the funds raised will be donated to France's Fondation Recherche Alzheimer, supporting critical research into Alzheimer's disease. The remaining €1 million will go to the painting's previous owner, ensuring a fair transaction while maximizing charitable impact.
This event highlights how innovative fundraising initiatives can blend art appreciation with philanthropy, offering participants a chance to own a priceless masterpiece while contributing to a vital cause. The raffle's success underscores global interest in both art and charitable giving, making high-value art accessible through affordable participation.
