A remarkable Pablo Picasso portrait of his muse and lover Dora Maar has achieved an extraordinary £34.7 million at Sotheby's prestigious London auction, demonstrating the enduring power of the Spanish master's work in today's art market.
The captivating painting, created during the tumultuous period of 1942 amidst the Nazi occupation of Paris, presents Maar with striking green fingernails and an intense gaze that has fascinated art historians for decades.
The Woman Behind the Portrait
Dora Maar was far more than just Picasso's lover - she was an accomplished photographer and artist in her own right, and a central figure in the Parisian surrealist movement. Their relationship spanned nearly a decade, during which Picasso created numerous portraits that captured her complex personality and distinctive beauty.
This particular work stands out for its emotional intensity and technical mastery, created during what many consider Picasso's most creatively fertile period.
Market Resilience for Masterworks
The successful sale signals continued strong demand for blue-chip artworks despite global economic uncertainties. Thomas Bompard, Sotheby's head of modern art for Europe, noted that "the market for exceptional works by Picasso remains incredibly robust".
The auction attracted significant international interest, with bidding lasting several intense minutes before the hammer finally fell to a private collector participating by telephone.
Historical Significance
What makes this painting particularly significant is its creation context:
- Painted during World War II while Paris was under Nazi occupation
- Represents one of Picasso's most important muses
- Showcases the artist's distinctive wartime style
- Has remained in private collections for decades
The portrait's journey to auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a work from this pivotal period in Picasso's career.
This sale reinforces London's position as a global centre for high-value art transactions and continues the strong performance of Picasso's works at international auctions. The painting will now join another prestigious private collection, continuing its journey through art history.
