Picasso's Woman with a Watch: A $139 million love story


A masterpiece by Pablo Picasso, "Femme à la montre" (Woman with a Watch), sold for USD 139 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York on November 8, 2023. This makes it the second most expensive Picasso painting ever sold at auction, behind only "Les femmes d'Alger (Version 'O')," which fetched USD 179.3 million in 2015.

"Femme à la montre" is a portrait of Picasso's lover and muse, Marie-Thérèse Walter. It was painted in 1932, during a particularly prolific and creative period in Picasso's career. The painting depicts Walter seated in a throne-like chair against a blue background. She is wearing a simple dress and a pearl necklace, and her hair is pulled back in a bun. Her face is turned slightly to the side, and she is gazing at the viewer with a calm and enigmatic expression.

Picasso's use of color and form in "Femme à la montre" is both striking and innovative. The painting is dominated by the blue background, which contrasts sharply with the warm tones of Walter's skin and hair. Picasso also uses a variety of different brushstrokes to create a sense of depth and movement in the painting.

"Femme à la montre" is a masterpiece of modern art, and its sale for USD 139 million is a testament to its enduring popularity and value. The painting is now part of a private collection, but it is sure to continue to be admired and studied by art lovers for generations to come.

Why is Picasso's "Femme à la montre" so valuable?

There are a number of reasons why Picasso's "Femme à la montre" is so valuable. First, it is a masterpiece by one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20th century. Picasso's work is highly sought-after by collectors, and his paintings often sell for millions of dollars.

Second, "Femme à la montre" is a particularly important work in Picasso's oeuvre. It is one of a series of portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter, who was Picasso's lover and muse for many years. These portraits are considered to be among Picasso's finest works, and they are highly prized by collectors.

Third, "Femme à la montre" is a very beautiful and technically impressive painting. Picasso's use of color and form in the painting is both striking and innovative. The painting is also very well-preserved, which adds to its value.

Who bought Picasso's "Femme à la montre"?

The buyer of Picasso's "Femme à la montre" is unknown. However, it is likely that the buyer was a wealthy individual or institution with a strong interest in art collecting.

The sale of Picasso's "Femme à la montre" is a reminder of the enduring popularity and value of his work. Picasso is one of the most important artists of the 20th century, and his paintings continue to be highly sought-after by collectors around the world.

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