Bust of a Woman with a Flower Hat is the name of the painting by Pablo Picasso that remained hidden. According to known information, it was painted in July 1943, during the Nazi occupation of Paris. It is a portrait of a woman who marked the personal and artistic life of the Spanish painter, the artist Dora Maar. The only evidence of its existence was thanks to a black and white photograph preserved in a specialized catalog. No one, not even the most renowned Picasso experts, had had the opportunity to see the canvas in person until now.
Discreetly acquired in 1944, shortly after the liberation of Paris, by an anonymous collector, it disappeared from the art world
Pablo Picasso is one of the most iconic figures in the history of European art. Therefore, the history of this painting, and the fact that its existence was unknown until now, draws the attention of both curious and experts. Discreetly acquired in 1944, shortly after the liberation of Paris, by an anonymous collector, it disappeared from the art world and remained in private hands for generations. For more than eight decades, this portrait of Pablo Picasso has remained hidden, away from exhibitions and experts.
Picasso was 61 years old at the time and was in a relationship with Dora Maar, a surrealist photographer and central figure of the Parisian avant-garde, whom he portrayed on numerous occasions. Much has been written about their relationship, especially regarding the couple’s character, which today we would categorize as toxic. Therefore, the 80 by 60 centimeter canvas was part of one of the most intense and contradictory periods of the Malaga-born artist’s life. Its recent reappearance at an auction in Paris has unleashed a wave of expectation. Not only because of its financial value, which could exceed nine million dollars, but also because of what it represents from a historical and artistic perspective.
“It’s a refreshing portrait of Dora Maar; exceptional and full of emotion. Discovering it is a great moment in our lives as experts,” said Christophe Lucien, auctioneer and curator at Drouot. This is a unique testament to a transitional moment in the artist’s life, an intimate portrait that blends anguish, beauty, and farewell. The work of art will be auctioned by Drouot on October 24th with a conservative estimate of €8 million, although the figure is expected to multiply with the bidding.
The grandchildren of the original buyer decided to bring it to light as part of an inheritance inventory
The story behind the painting seems almost like something out of a movie. When Pablo Picasso painted the painting, he exhibited it to a small, private group of friends in his studio on the Rue des Grands-Augustins. According to the family that owned the painting, in August 1944, the work was acquired by a French collector who kept it in their home until their death. From then on, it was passed down from generation to generation, hanging in the family room, without restoration or varnishing, almost “raw,” as experts emphasize. For the general public, the only evidence of its existence was a black and white photograph preserved in a specialized catalog. The grandchildren of the original buyer decided to bring it to light as part of an inheritance inventory. According to their story, they grew up playing under that painting, unaware that they were living with an unknown Picasso.
This rediscovery opens a new window into Picasso’s artistic life, especially considering that it is a painting executed during the height of World War II and in Nazi-occupied Paris. Experts will be able to explore chronologies, styles, and emotional connections in Picasso’s work. The painting, validated by the Picasso Committee and the Picasso Administration, bears the date and the artist’s signature, placed on the front of the canvas after it left his studio. The auction will also open the door for the public to view a painting that, until now, existed only as a rumor. It will be a day of revelation for art lovers.
