Picasso’s ‘Femme à la Montre’ Achieves Second-Highest Auction Price in Sotheby’s $400 Million Sale

In a recent auction at Sotheby’s in New York, a masterpiece by Pablo Picasso titled “Femme à la montre” has set a new benchmark, selling for an astounding $139.4 million. This remarkable sale not only claims the title of the most valuable artwork auctioned this year but also secures its position as the second most expensive piece by the Spanish artist.

The 1932 painting, measuring 51 by 38 inches, is a portrayal of Picasso’s muse and mistress, Marie-Thérèse Walter. Their relationship unfolded during a critical period in Picasso’s career, as he grappled with the rising popularity of Henri Matisse and concerns about the relevance of his own work. The captivating piece captures Walter seated against a striking blue backdrop, adorned with a watch given to her by the artist.

Marie-Thérèse Walter, often referred to as Picasso’s “golden muse,” played a significant role in inspiring numerous works by the artist. “Femme à la montre” is a testament to Picasso’s infatuation with Walter, a theme that reverberates through various mediums such as sculpture and paper. Watches, an essential motif in Picasso’s body of work, are prominently featured, connecting threads of continuity in his artistic expression.

This monumental sale comes as part of a $400 million collection from the late philanthropist Emily Fisher Landau. The timing, just after the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death, prompts a reconsideration of his legacy, particularly regarding his relationships with women. Despite these concerns, the market value of Picasso’s art remains resolute.

Sotheby’s initially estimated the painting to go for $120 million, but the final sale surpassed this figure. Brooke Lampley, Sotheby’s chairman and head of global fine art, pondered whether the estimate could have been higher. “My only question is, should the estimate have been higher?” Lampley shared, emphasizing that no challenges to the estimate being too high were raised.

It’s worth noting that the all-time record for the most expensive Picasso painting sold at auction still belongs to “Les femmes d’Alger (Version ‘O’)” (1955), which fetched a staggering $179.4 million at Christie’s in 2015. Picasso’s enduring allure in the art world, coupled with the timeless significance of his creations, continues to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Picasso

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