Long-Lost Picasso Portrait of Dora Maar Unveiled in Paris
PARIS – A previously unknown portrait of Dora maar by Pablo Picasso has been revealed in Paris, authenticated by the Picasso administration, and is poised to become a landmark work in the artist’s oeuvre. The painting, dating from the German occupation of Paris, depicts Maar with a flower hat, capturing a moment of sadness as Picasso began a relationship with Françoise Gilot.
The revelation offers a rare glimpse into a pivotal period in both Picasso’s personal life and artistic advancement. Known to specialists only through black-and-white photographs and catalog entries, the portrait’s emergence provides fresh insight into his complex relationship with Maar, his muse and photographic chronicler, and the evolution of his cubist style. The work is being sold as part of a succession, according to representatives involved in the sale.
Agnès Sevestre-Barbé, a Picasso specialist, described the painting as “quite exceptional and marks a milestone in the history of art and in that of Picasso,” noting it had remained hidden from public view as it’s creation in Picasso’s paris workshop during the occupation.
The portrait blends naturalistic and cubist elements, portraying maar with “a harmonious face” despite the emotional turmoil of being replaced in Picasso’s affections. Its authenticity is further supported by photographs taken by picasso’s freind, Brassaï, within the artist’s studio.
The painting was previously documented in the official inventory of Picasso’s works and has been known to scholars, but its public unveiling marks a important moment for art historians and collectors alike. Details regarding the auction and estimated value have not yet been released.
