Paris, France — A remarkable and previously uncatalogued work by Pablo Picasso, a vibrant portrait of his tumultuous muse and lover, Dora Maar, has dramatically re-emerged from private obscurity. Titled Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat (Dora Maar), this rediscovery is being hailed as a major event for the art world, offering fresh insights into Picasso's state of mind during World War II.
A Wartime Revelation: The Newly Discovered Portrait
The oil on canvas piece was completed in July 1943, a dark period when Paris was under German occupation. Despite the surrounding anguish and the deteriorating nature of his relationship with Maar, the painting presents a surprisingly colorful and relatively serene aesthetic.
Measuring approximately 80 × 60 cm, the portrait deviates slightly from the more tormented and angular representations that characterized Picasso's earlier depictions of Maar. Instead, this late-war work strikes a unique balance, showcasing a complex mix of emotional distance and vivid, expressive color. Experts suggest this stylistic transition reflects a pivotal moment in the artist’s personal and professional life.
The historical journey of this particular Resurfaced Picasso Dora Maar painting is as compelling as the work itself. It was acquired in August 1944 by a discerning private French collector, right around the time the Allies were liberating Paris.
For the subsequent eight decades, the painting remained cloistered within this single family's collection, passed down through generations. Crucially, it was never loaned to a museum, publicly exhibited, or offered for sale, making its abrupt appearance on the market a genuine "sleeper" for the art community. This pristine, uninterrupted provenance adds immeasurably to its value and appeal.
High Stakes: The Blockbuster Auction Details
The newly rediscovered portrait is set to headline the upcoming sale at Lucien Paris auction house in France.
The official estimate for the piece is around €8 million (US$9–10 million). However, given the extreme rarity of "virgin" or unseen works by Picasso especially one that features such a central muse as Dora Maar, market watchers are speculating that the final hammer price could significantly exceed the initial guidance.
Before the main event on 24 October 2025, the painting will be displayed briefly in a pre-sale exhibition, which will be its first-ever public viewing, guaranteeing global media attention and intense collector interest.
Why This Rediscovery Changes the Narrative
The sudden resurfacing of this Picasso Dora Maar painting is more than just a lucrative auction opportunity; it’s an academic treasure trove.
A Window into Wartime Psyche: The portrait provides vital context for understanding Picasso's artistic response to the grim reality of the war. Its colorful, less overtly tormented style suggests a nuanced complexity to his feelings, distinct from the palpable agony seen in works like Guernica.
Expanding the Dora Maar Series: This work adds a crucial, late-period chapter to his extensive catalogue of Maar portraits. It bridges the emotional distance he felt as their relationship fractured with the vibrant, masterful expression that defined his signature style.
Market Excitement and Rarity: Major rediscovery events are exceedingly rare for a figure as exhaustively documented as Picasso. The appearance of Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat has immediately recalibrated the art market's excitement level, confirming that even the most well-known masters still hold secrets.
The auction on October 24th will not only determine the financial value of this forgotten gem but will also officially cement its place in art history, fundamentally reshaping our interpretation of Picasso's essential wartime oeuvre.
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