Pablo Picasso’s iconic painting the “Femme A La Montre,” which highlights his “golden muse” Marie-Therese Walter, has been sold for an impressive £114 million. This sale at Sotheby’s in New York propels the artwork to become the second most expensive piece by Picasso ever sold at auction.
“Femme A La Montre” is an oil on canvas that was created in 1932, a year of significant artistic output for Picasso, where he openly celebrated his relationship with Walter in his art. Walter was just 17 years old when she met the 45-year-old Picasso in 1927, an encounter that led to a profound and influential relationship, with Picasso famously promising her they would achieve greatness together.
At the time of this painting, Picasso was still married to his first wife, Olga Khokhlova, but he did not shy away from sharing his connection with Walter through his art. This piece, in particular, showcases Walter seated regally against a vibrant blue background, encapsulating both her youth and her strong presence in Picasso’s life.
The previous record for a Picasso at auction was held by his “Les Femmes D’Alger,” which fetched $179.4m (£146m) in 2015. “Femme A La Montre,” however, is not only notable for its high selling price but also for its provenance, having been owned by prominent art patron Emily Fisher Landau.
This sale has captured the attention of the art world, as well as the public, indicating not just a financial transaction but a moment of historical significance, acknowledging Picasso’s timeless impact on the world of art.
