Picasso's ‘Woman With A Watch’ Painting Fetches Millions: Why It’s Special

The art world saw a historic event at art company Sotheby's when one of Pablo Picasso's most cherished masterpieces, 'Woman with a Watch' fetched a staggering $139.3 million. This event unfolded on November 8, 2023, in New York, making it the second-highest price ever paid for the legendary artist's work.

As the bidding unfolded in a packed room at Sotheby's, it became evident that "Femme a la montre," the 1932 painting that encapsulates the essence of one of Picasso's beloved companions and muses, the French painter Marie-Therese Walter, was destined for greatness.

An Iconic Piece of Art History

Valued at over $120 million before the auction, this masterpiece became the crown jewel of the house's special sale, showcasing the collection of the late New York arts patron, Emily Fisher Landau, who left an indelible mark on the art world.

Julian Dawes, Sotheby's head of impressionist and modern art, aptly described the Picasso canvas, which once adorned Landau's living room, as "a masterpiece by every measure." Painted in 1932 during Picasso's 'annus mirabilis,' it embodies both joyful, passionate abandon and meticulous consideration and resolution.

Marie-Therese Walter: Picasso's "Golden Muse"

Marie-Therese Walter, often regarded as Picasso's "golden muse," played a pivotal role in his artistic journey. Her presence is not limited to "Femme a la montre" alone; she also features prominently in another of Picasso's works, "Femme endormie" (Sleeping Woman), estimated to sell for $25-$35 million at Christie's. In 2021, "Femme assise pres d'une fenetre (Marie-Therese)" (Woman Sitting Near a Window) was sold for a remarkable $103.4 million. Walter and Picasso's connection dates back to 1927, when she was just 17, and the Spanish artist was still married to Russian-Ukrainian ballet dancer Olga Khokhlova. The couple even had a daughter, though she tragically passed away last year.

Picasso's Legacy in the Art World

Notably, "Femme a la montre" is not the only Picasso work from 1932 to have achieved a significant sale price. In 2010, another Picasso piece from that year was sold for $106 million. The record sale for one of his works, to date, is "The Women of Algiers (Version O)," an oil painting from 1955, which commanded an astonishing $179.4 million at Christie's New York in 2015. It also held the record for any work of art sold at auction until November 2017 when "Salvator Mundi," attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, shattered all records, selling for a mind-boggling $450 million.

Picasso's Enduring Influence

Despite passing away fifty years ago in 1973 at the age of 91, Pablo Picasso remains an enduring and profoundly influential figure in the world of art. His contributions to modern art are celebrated for their dynamism and creative genius. However, his legacy has also been marred by allegations, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement, that he exerted a violent hold over the women who were part of his life and served as inspirations for his art.

The sale of "Woman with a Watch" proves the enduring appeal of Picasso's art. It's a celebration of Marie-Therese Walter's significance in his life and work and an opportunity to appreciate the art world's resilience in the face of global challenges. 

Suggested reading: How Amrita Deora's Pop Art Gallery Helps Grassroots Artists Build Their Business