Pablo Picasso's 'Femme à la Montre' Fetches a Whopping $139M at Sotheby's Auction
In the realm of art auctions, a new record was recently set when one of Pablo Picasso's masterpieces, 'Femme à la Montre', was sold for an astounding $139 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York. This sale not only marks the highest price fetched for an artwork in 2023 but also makes 'Femme à la Montre' the second most expensive Picasso artwork ever sold at auction.
Big Fish of Picasso. PortrAIt of Picasso by TMA SakurAI. Ylyth Magazine AIPix
A Brief Overview of 'Femme à la Montre'
'Femme à la Montre', which translates to 'Woman with a Watch', is a vibrant portrait of Picasso's lover and muse, Marie-Thérèse Walter. The Spanish artist famously met her in Paris when he was 45 years old, and she was a mere 17, marking the beginning of an illicit love affair that would inspire some of Picasso's most celebrated works.
The Story Behind the Artwork
The narrative surrounding 'Femme à la Montre' is one that intertwines love, scandal, and artistic brilliance. Picasso was still married to Ukrainian-born ballerina Olga Khokhlova when he began his clandestine relationship with Walter, a dynamic that would prove to profoundly influence his art. Walter, who would go on to be the subject of numerous Picasso paintings, became his muse during a pivotal time in his career when he was striving to silence critics and assert his relevance.
The Artistic Significance of 'Femme à la Montre'
Created in 1932, 'Femme à la Montre' represents a crucial year in Picasso's career. At the age of 50, the artist had already achieved considerable fame but was facing mounting pressure to prove his continued relevance. This challenge led him to intensify his creative ambitions, a process that is beautifully reflected in 'Femme à la Montre.'’
The Auction of 'Femme à la Montre'
The sale of 'Femme à la Montre' took place at a Sotheby's auction in New York, where an anonymous buyer outbid others to secure the masterpiece. The painting was part of a larger collection of artworks owned by the late philanthropist Emily Fisher Landau, estimated to be worth around $400 million.
The Legacy of Emily Fisher Landau
Emily Fisher Landau, a renowned art collector and philanthropist, had a remarkable collection of approximately 120 works. These pieces, including 'Femme à la Montre', were displayed across two days at auction. Landau's collection showcased not just Picasso's work but also pieces from other prolific artists like Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keefe.
The Record-Breaking Sale
The $139 million sale has made 'Femme à la Montre' the most valuable artwork sold at auction in 2023 and the second most expensive Picasso painting ever sold. The only Picasso piece to fetch a higher price at auction is 'Les Femmes d'Alger (Version' O'),' which sold for $179.3 million in 2015.
The Impact of 'Femme à la Montre' Sale
The sale of 'Femme à la Montre' serves as a potent indicator of the current market pulse of the art world. It marks both a triumph for Sotheby's and a reflection of the strong demand for works from esteemed artists like Picasso. Furthermore, it highlights the enduring allure of artworks with rich narratives and illustrious provenance.
The Continual Influence of Picasso
Half a century after his death in 1973, Picasso remains one of the most influential artists of the modern world. His reputation, though tainted by accusations of exerting a violent hold over the women in his life, continues to command significant attention in the art world. The record-breaking sale of 'Femme à la Montre' attests to the undiminished interest in his work.
The State of the Art Market
Despite uncertainties in global markets and the backdrop of wars and worldwide inflation, the art market has shown remarkable resilience. Auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's continue to enjoy a healthy market for art and luxury goods, driven in part by demand from emerging markets like China.
The sale of Picasso's 'Femme à la Montre' at Sotheby's auction in New York for a staggering $139 million underscores the enduring appeal of the artist's work. With its vibrant narrative, artistic significance, and illustrious provenance, 'Femme à la Montre' represents a significant milestone in the art world. As we continue to bear witness to such record-breaking sales, one thing remains clear: the appetite for iconic art pieces, particularly those with intriguing histories, remains voracious. The tale of 'Femme à la Montre' is a testament to that, painting a picture of an art market that continues to thrive against all odds.
