Picasso portrait of muse Dora Maar in vivid hat, long hidden from view, sells for 32 million euros
Art expert Agnes Sevestre-Barbe points to a rediscovered Picasso painting "Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat", Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 in Paris. The portrait painted in 1943 will be sold at auction Friday in Paris, was bought in 1944 and shows his partner Dora Maar. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
PARIS (AP) — A vividly hued Picasso portrait of longtime muse and partner Dora Maar that had remained hidden from public view for more than eight decades sold Friday at auction for 32 million euros (about $37 million), including fees — surpassing expectations but far from the artist’s most expensive work ever auctioned.
Painted in July 1943, "Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat (Dora Maar)" depicts Maar in a brightly colored floral hat. Maar, an artist and photographer herself, had been Picasso's partner and muse for about seven years, and the relationship was coming to a painful close. The work was purchased in 1944 and had not been on the market since, remaining in the family collection.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
