A significant work by Pablo Picasso, titled “Bust of a Woman with a Mortar cat,” is set ⁤to be offered at public auction⁢ in Paris, with an estimated value of €8 million (approximately $9.5 million USD as of September 18, 2024). The painting, a portrait of Dora Maar, a French painter and⁢ poet, has remained⁢ largely unseen since‍ its creation.

Dora Maar: A Pivotal Muse

Dora Maar was one of Picasso’s most significant muses, and⁢ this painting offers a poignant glimpse into their complex relationship.created on July 11, 1943, the artwork depicts Maar with a “sad but harmonious face,” reflecting a turbulent period in their lives as Picasso began a relationship with Françoise⁤ Gilot.

Provenance and Rediscovery

The painting, measuring 80 by 90‍ centimeters and executed in oil, was purchased in August 1944 by ‍an art enthusiast whose grandson is now consigning the work for sale.According to Christophe Lucian, a commissioner⁣ at the Parisian auction house Drozin, the painting has only been⁢ displayed within Picasso’s studio in Paris and has never been publicly exhibited before.

Meaning for the Art Market

Lucian described the ⁣painting as “largely remarkable and represents ⁢a threshold in the history of art ⁣and the history ⁢of Picasso.” The auction of this previously unknown Picasso is being closely watched as an ⁢indicator of the health ⁤of the art market, which has experienced a downturn in recent years. Sales⁤ of ⁣works by major artists like Picasso often ‍serve as a barometer for broader⁢ market trends.