The original, meticulously airbrushed artwork that defined an era of rock and roll is going under the hammer. The iconic cover for David Bowie's seminal 1973 album, 'Aladdin Sane', is set to be the star lot in a major auction at Sotheby's this summer.
Created by the renowned photographer Brian Duffy, the artwork features the legendary lightning bolt across Bowie's face, a image that has become one of the most recognisable in music history. The piece being auctioned is the final, retouched colour artwork that was used to create the actual album sleeves.
The Artist Behind the Bolt
While Brian Duffy was the photographer, the intricate airbrushing and colouring was executed by Philip Castle, a collaborator known for his work on posters for Stanley Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange'. The artwork captures Bowie at the height of his Ziggy Stardust persona, a symbol of glam rock's flamboyant and androgynous peak.
The upcoming sale is part of Sotheby's 'Popular Culture' auction, scheduled for July 10-11. The 'Aladdin Sane' artwork carries a significant pre-sale estimate of £40,000 to £60,000, reflecting its immense cultural value.
A Lasting Cultural Legacy
Dr. Gabriel Heaton, Sotheby's manuscripts specialist, emphasised the cover's significance, stating it is "arguably the defining image of a musical generation". He noted that the artwork transcends its purpose as mere album packaging, having become a "symbol of an era of sexual liberation and musical innovation."
The sale offers a rare opportunity for collectors to own a tangible piece of music history. The artwork's journey from a London studio in the early 1970s to the global stage of a Sotheby's auction underscores its enduring power and the timeless appeal of David Bowie's artistic vision.
