A masterpiece by Pablo Picasso, expected to sell for at least $120 million at auction, went on display Monday, marking the start of a series of rare viewings outside of the United States.
Picasso masterpiece begins in Dubai: The 1932 painting of Marie-Therese Walter, Picasso’s mistress and ‘golden muse,’ is on display for two days in the United Arab Emirates before travelling to Hong Kong and London. This is beneficial for the country’s efforts to position itself as a global cultural powerhouse.
“Sotheby’s Dubai announced in a press release that this viewing signifies the first time a painting of this caliber by the world-renowned artist has ever graced the UAE’s exhibition scene, and it also marks the portrait’s first display outside of the US in fifty years.”
UAE Culture Minister Sheikh Salem bin Khalid al-Qassimi stated, “This rare Picasso further enhances the UAE’s reputation as a global art destination.”
According to Khaleej Times, an auction company brought the most expensive picture ever to the Middle East. Dozens of people gathered at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to examine it within hours of its availability for public inspection.
“Sotheby’s Dubai noted in a statement that the viewing marks the first time a painting of this calibre by the world-renowned artist has ever been exhibited in the UAE, and it is the first time the portrait has been exhibited outside of the US in fifty years.”
Before it moves to Hong Kong and London, the painting will be on display to the public at the DIFC on Tuesday, September 26, from 10 am to 7 pm. After that, it will travel back to New York, Khaleej Times said.
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In 1927, when Walter was 17 years old and Picasso was still marrie to Russian-Ukrainian ballet dancer Olga Khokhlova, they met in Paris.
‘Femme assise pres d’une fenetre (Marie-Therese),’ which Christie’s auction house sold in 2021 for $103.4 million, also included Walter, whose daughter with Picasso passed away last year.
Fifty years after his passing in 1973 at the age of 91, Picasso is still regarde as one of the most important artists of the modern era. He is frequently lauded as a dynamic and creative genius.
However, in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault, allegations that this workaholic with a prolific output of paintings, sketches, and sculpture exerted a violent control over the women who shared his life and served as his inspiration have damaged his reputation.