Historic Picasso painting “Femme à la montre” fetches record $139 Million.
In a groundbreaking moment in the art world, Pablo Picasso‘s celebrated 1932 painting, “Femme à la montre,” has recently sold for an astounding $139 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.
This masterpiece, previously owned by the late philanthropist Emily Fisher Landau, has now become the most valuable artwork auctioned globally this year, setting a new benchmark in the art market.
The painting, depicting Picasso’s lover Marie-Thérèse Walter seated against a striking blue backdrop with a wristwatch prominently featured, provides a rare glimpse into the renowned artist’s personal life.
The motif of the wristwatch, a recurring theme in Picasso’s works featuring his wife, Olga Khokhlova, adds depth and intrigue to the painting.
“Femme à la montre” was painted during a pivotal year in Picasso’s career when he was 50, showcasing his determination to silence critics who questioned his artistic relevance.
The sale not only underscores the enduring appeal of Picasso’s work but also highlights the robust state of the art market.
The fall art auction season in New York is often regarded as a barometer for the industry, making this sale a significant moment in the art world’s calendar.
This remarkable painting, once part of Fisher Landau’s collection, carries a rich history. Acquired from New York’s Pace Gallery in 1968, it adorned the mantle in her Manhattan apartment for years.
The astronomical price tag reaffirms Picasso’s status as a towering figure in the art world and emphasizes the enduring fascination with his groundbreaking contributions to modern art.
While “Femme à la montre” stands as the second most expensive Picasso painting ever auctioned, trailing only behind “Les femmes d’Alger (Version ‘O’),” which achieved $179.3 million in 2015, its sale serves as a testament to Picasso’s creative genius and his ability to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
The painting’s journey from Picasso’s canvas to Fisher Landau’s collection and now to its new owner exemplifies the enduring legacy of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
As historic Picasso painting “Femme à la montre” fetches record $139 Million , it remains a symbol of Picasso’s artistic brilliance and the ever-evolving landscape of the art market.
