"Woman with a Watch", a Pablo Picasso masterpiece, sold for USD 139.3 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York on Wednesday (November 8). This is the second-highest price a Picasso piece has&nbsp;ever gotten.

"Woman with a Watch" was painted by Picasso in 1932 and features French painter Marie-Therese Walter, one of the Spanish artist's companions and muses. According to Sotheby's, the painting was valued at over USD 120 million before it was put up for auction.

The auction house has organised a special sale of the collection of Emily Fisher Landau, the wealthy New Yorker who was a patron of the arts. She passed away this year at the age of 102.

"Painted in 1932 -- Picasso's 'annus mirabilis' --&nbsp;is full of joyful, passionate abandon yet at the same time it is utterly considered and resolved," said Julian Dawes, Sotheby's head of impressionist and modern art as quoted by AFP.

He called the painting "a masterpiece by every measure."

It was considered that Walter was Picasso's "golden muse". She features in another painting. This one will be auctioned on Thursday at Christie's and is expected to net USD 25-35 million.

Picasso and Walter met each other in Paris in 1927. At that time, Picasso was still married to Olga Khokhlova, a Russian-Ukrainian ballet dancer. Walter was 17 years old at the time.

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Picasso also included her in another painting of his called "Femme assise pres d'une fenetre (Marie-Therese)". This painting netted 103.4 million dollars in 2021 at a Christie's auction.

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<h2>Fresh look at Picasso's life</h2>

Pablo Picasso passed away in 1973 at the age of 91. Half a century after his death he is still counted among the most influential artists of modern times and hailed as a creative genius.

However, after the #MeToo movement, Picasso's life was also looked at through a different lens and led to accusations that he had a violent hold on the lives of women who were inspirations for his art.

(With inputs from &nbsp;agencies)

"Woman with a Watch", a Pablo Picasso masterpiece, sold for USD 139.3 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York on Wednesday (November 8). This is the second-highest price a Picasso piece has ever gotten.

"Woman with a Watch", a Pablo Picasso masterpiece, sold for USD 139.3 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York on Wednesday (November 8). This is the second-highest price a Picasso piece has ever gotten. "Woman with a Watch" was painted by Picasso in 1932 and features French painter Marie-Therese Walter, one of the Spanish artist's companions and muses. According to Sotheby's, the painting was valued at over USD 120 million before it was put up for auction. The auction house has organised a special sale of the collection of Emily Fisher Landau, the wealthy New Yorker who was a patron of the arts. She passed away this year at the age of 102. "Painted in 1932 -- Picasso's 'annus mirabilis' -- is full of joyful, passionate abandon yet at the same time it is utterly considered and resolved," said Julian Dawes, Sotheby's head of impressionist and modern art as quoted by AFP. He called the painting "a masterpiece by every measure." It was considered that Walter was Picasso's "golden muse". She features in another painting. This one will be auctioned on Thursday at Christie's and is expected to net USD 25-35 million. Picasso and Walter met each other in Paris in 1927. At that time, Picasso was still married to Olga Khokhlova, a Russian-Ukrainian ballet dancer. Walter was 17 years old at the time. Also Read | 'Curiosity remains strong': NASA Curiosity rover clocks 4,000 days in Mars 'punishingly cold environment' Picasso also included her in another painting of his called "Femme assise pres d'une fenetre (Marie-Therese)". This painting netted 103.4 million dollars in 2021 at a Christie's auction. Also Read | Life on Venus? Astronomers detect oxygen in dayside atmosphere of planet Fresh look at Picasso's life Pablo Picasso passed away in 1973 at the age of 91. Half a century after his death he is still counted among the most influential artists of modern times and hailed as a creative genius. However, after the #MeToo movement, Picasso's life was also looked at through a different lens and led to accusations that he had a violent hold on the lives of women who were inspirations for his art. (With inputs from agencies)

Picasso masterpiece 'Woman with a Watch' sells for $139mn at Sotheby's auction

Françoise Gilot, a renowned painter whose own artistic achievements were often overshadowed by her tumultuous relationship with Pablo Picasso, has passed away at the age of 101.&nbsp;

As per the New York Times, her daughter, Aurelia Engel, confirmed her death, citing recent health issues related to her heart and lungs.

Gilot was a talented painter and memoirist in her own right, but she is best known for being Picasso's lover and for being the only one of his mistresses to walk out on him.&nbsp;

In 1953, after nearly a decade together, Gilot made the decision to leave Picasso, which surprised him greatly. The two had a 40-year age difference. Here's all you need to know about the life of&nbsp;Marie&nbsp;Françoise Gilot, the only woman to "dump" Pablo Picasso.

<h2>Picasso and the women that loved him</h2>

Picasso had two wives and many mistresses. However, Françoise Gilot is the only woman to ever break up with him. The decision reportedly surprised Picasso, who believed that people would only be interested in her because of her connection to him.&nbsp;

Gilot had earlier shared a conversation she had with Picasso. She recalled him, asking her: "You imagine people will be interested in you?".

"They won’t ever, really, just for yourself. Even if you think people like you, it will only be a kind of curiosity they will have about a person whose life touched mine so intimately," said the famous painter as per Gilot.

However, Gilot proved him wrong by rebuilding her life independently. She continued to paint, exhibit her artwork, and write books.

<h2>Françoise Gilot’s life after Picasso</h2>

In 1970, Gilot married Jonas Salk, the American medical researcher who developed the first safe polio vaccine. &nbsp;

While her relationship with Picasso was what made her famous in the public eye, particularly after the publication of her memoir "Life with Picasso" in 1964. The book became an international bestseller and was adapted into a film: the 1996 Merchant-Ivory movie, titled 'Surviving Picasso.' In the movie, Gilot was played by Natascha McElhone, while Anthony Hopkins portrayed Picasso.

Gilot's artwork also gained recognition. Her paintings were featured in numerous museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Over the years, her artwork commanded increasingly higher prices, even into her later years.

In June 2021, her painting titled "Paloma à la Guitare" (1965), sold for $1.3 million in an online auction by Sotheby auction house.

Françoise Gilot's commitment to her art existed long before her involvement with Picasso, Lisa Stevenson, the head of curated sales for Sotheby’s in London, told ARTnews after the auction.

"It isn’t commonly known that Gilot’s commitment to art was present long before her relationship with Pablo Picasso, and she was sadly often left in his shadow."

However, she often lived in his shadow, despite her own talent and accomplishments.&nbsp;

In 2022, while contributing to her profile in NYT, she told the publication: "I am not going to make a big deal of being more than what I am — or less."

<h2>Life before Picasso</h2>

On November 26, 1921, Marie Françoise Gilot was born into a wealthy family in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris. Gilot showed an early interest in art and received guidance from her mother Madeleine Renoult-Gilot, who had studied art history, ceramics and watercolour painting.&nbsp;

Despite her father Emile Gilot's objections, she pursued her passion for art and studied at various institutions.&nbsp;

<h2>Relationship with Picasso</h2>

As described in her book 'Life with Picasso',&nbsp;Gilot's encounter with Picasso in 1943 was accidental.&nbsp;

Françoise Gilot was dining with her closest friend, Geneviève Aliquot, and an actor named Alain Cuny at Le Catalan, a small restaurant on the rue des Grands-Augustins, near Picasso's Left Bank studio, when she had her first accidental encounter with Picasso in May 1943.

That accidental encounter marked the beginning of a tumultuous relationship. She became his lover despite the presence of other women in his life.&nbsp;

They had two children together, Claude and Paloma. However, their relationship was marked by Picasso's infidelity, and Gilot ultimately made the decision to leave him.

"No woman leaves a man like me," Picasso said upon hearing about the breakup, according to Gilot's account in 'Life With Picasso'.&nbsp;

"I told him maybe that was the way it looked to him, but I was one woman who would, and was about to. A man as famous and as rich as he? He couldn't believe it, he said," she wrote.

"Life with Picasso" caused a rift between Gilot and Picasso, with the artist cutting off all contact with her and their two children.

In 1955, she married her childhood friend, Luc Simon, a French artist, they had a daughter together: Aurelia. The marriage ended in divorce in 1962.

After her marriage to Jonas Salk and Picasso's death in 1973, Gilot continued to focus on her own artistic career, exhibiting her work and publishing books. She lived in Manhattan and maintained a studio in Paris, consistently producing art and holding exhibitions until 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Françoise Gilot, a renowned painter whose own artistic achievements were often overshadowed by her tumultuous relationship with Pablo Picasso, has passed away at the age of 101.

Françoise Gilot, a renowned painter whose own artistic achievements were often overshadowed by her tumultuous relationship with Pablo Picasso, has passed away at the age of 101. As per the New York Times, her daughter, Aurelia Engel, confirmed her death, citing recent health issues related to her heart and lungs. Gilot was a talented painter and memoirist in her own right, but she is best known for being Picasso's lover and for being the only one of his mistresses to walk out on him. In 1953, after nearly a decade together, Gilot made the decision to leave Picasso, which surprised him greatly. The two had a 40-year age difference. Here's all you need to know about the life of Marie Françoise Gilot, the only woman to "dump" Pablo Picasso. Picasso and the women that loved him Picasso had two wives and many mistresses. However, Françoise Gilot is the only woman to ever break up with him. The decision reportedly surprised Picasso, who believed that people would only be interested in her because of her connection to him. Gilot had earlier shared a conversation she had with Picasso. She recalled him, asking her: "You imagine people will be interested in you?". "They won’t ever, really, just for yourself. Even if you think people like you, it will only be a kind of curiosity they will have about a person whose life touched mine so intimately," said the famous painter as per Gilot. However, Gilot proved him wrong by rebuilding her life independently. She continued to paint, exhibit her artwork, and write books. Françoise Gilot’s life after Picasso In 1970, Gilot married Jonas Salk, the American medical researcher who developed the first safe polio vaccine. While her relationship with Picasso was what made her famous in the public eye, particularly after the publication of her memoir "Life with Picasso" in 1964. The book became an international bestseller and was adapted into a film: the 1996 Merchant-Ivory movie, titled 'Surviving Picasso.' In the movie, Gilot was played by Natascha McElhone, while Anthony Hopkins portrayed Picasso. Gilot's artwork also gained recognition. Her paintings were featured in numerous museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Over the years, her artwork commanded increasingly higher prices, even into her later years. In June 2021, her painting titled "Paloma à la Guitare" (1965), sold for $1.3 million in an online auction by Sotheby auction house. Françoise Gilot's commitment to her art existed long before her involvement with Picasso, Lisa Stevenson, the head of curated sales for Sotheby’s in London, told ARTnews after the auction. "It isn’t commonly known that Gilot’s commitment to art was present long before her relationship with Pablo Picasso, and she was sadly often left in his shadow." However, she often lived in his shadow, despite her own talent and accomplishments. In 2022, while contributing to her profile in NYT, she told the publication: "I am not going to make a big deal of being more than what I am — or less." Life before Picasso On November 26, 1921, Marie Françoise Gilot was born into a wealthy family in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris. Gilot showed an early interest in art and received guidance from her mother Madeleine Renoult-Gilot, who had studied art history, ceramics and watercolour painting. Despite her father Emile Gilot's objections, she pursued her passion for art and studied at various institutions. Relationship with Picasso As described in her book 'Life with Picasso', Gilot's encounter with Picasso in 1943 was accidental. Françoise Gilot was dining with her closest friend, Geneviève Aliquot, and an actor named Alain Cuny at Le Catalan, a small restaurant on the rue des Grands-Augustins, near Picasso's Left Bank studio, when she had her first accidental encounter with Picasso in May 1943. That accidental encounter marked the beginning of a tumultuous relationship. She became his lover despite the presence of other women in his life. They had two children together, Claude and Paloma. However, their relationship was marked by Picasso's infidelity, and Gilot ultimately made the decision to leave him. "No woman leaves a man like me," Picasso said upon hearing about the breakup, according to Gilot's account in 'Life With Picasso'. "I told him maybe that was the way it looked to him, but I was one woman who would, and was about to. A man as famous and as rich as he? He couldn't believe it, he said," she wrote. "Life with Picasso" caused a rift between Gilot and Picasso, with the artist cutting off all contact with her and their two children. In 1955, she married her childhood friend, Luc Simon, a French artist, they had a daughter together: Aurelia. The marriage ended in divorce in 1962. After her marriage to Jonas Salk and Picasso's death in 1973, Gilot continued to focus on her own artistic career, exhibiting her work and publishing books. She lived in Manhattan and maintained a studio in Paris, consistently producing art and holding exhibitions until 2021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: The life of Françoise Gilot, the woman who loved and left Pablo Picasso

Renowned painter Pablo Picasso once called the smell of opium smoke "the most intelligent smell in the world". Rap artist Snoop Dogg is well known for his love for weed or marijuana and referring to his favourite vice has even reportedly said, "the more medicated, the more dedicated". Harry Styles' latest album 'Fine Line' was made under the influence of mushrooms that supposedly helped him be "fun and creative." Artists and their love for various drugs and alcohol is legendary. These legends have long been blamed for promoting psychedelics and intoxicants among the "easily influenced" younger generations. However, time and time again, artists have claimed that drugs and alcohol allegedly helped their creative juices flow. A new study has revealed the truth behind this and says the claim might just be a myth.

Researchers from England's Essex University and Berlin’s Humboldt University have reached this conclusion after examining hundreds of papers on intoxicants and their effects.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;China trains six squirrels to search for drugs

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The researchers concluded that the alleged help these drugs provide to aid the creative processes is likely to be a myth and that to inspire creativity, travel, exposure to culture, meditation and good old hard work or training are more effective.&nbsp;

Jennifer Haase of the Humboldt University, a co-author of the paper as per Guardian, said that "ideas generated under the influence often seem disjointed or ill-suited as solutions later on."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-high-on-happiness-index-also-report-increased-drug-use-575119">Countries high on happiness index also report increased drug use</a>

"Given the numerous side-effects associated with drug use, it is scientifically unsound to recommend their consumption in pursuit of enhanced creative output," added Haase.

Dr Paul Hanel, of the University of Essex's department of psychology, said that drugs do not do anything for creativity. "People don’t benefit from it – it just has no effect at all."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-comes-up-with-40000-toxic-chemicals-in-6-hours-scientists-warn-could-be-used-to-make-biological-weapons-561636">AI comes up with 40,000 toxic chemicals in 6 hours; scientists warn could be used to make biological weapons</a>

However, Hanel acknowledged that, in some specific contexts, they might help enhance creativity. For example, someone under the effect of hallucinogenics might have an inspiring vision on their "trip" that enables them to paint a beautiful picture. But this is more of a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of experience and not a run-of-the-mill one.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Renowned painter Pablo Picasso once called the smell of opium smoke "the most intelligent smell in the world". Rap artist Snoop Dogg is well known for his love for weed or marijuana and referring to his favourite vice has even reportedly said, "the more medicated, the more dedicated".

Renowned painter Pablo Picasso once called the smell of opium smoke "the most intelligent smell in the world". Rap artist Snoop Dogg is well known for his love for weed or marijuana and referring to his favourite vice has even reportedly said, "the more medicated, the more dedicated". Harry Styles' latest album 'Fine Line' was made under the influence of mushrooms that supposedly helped him be "fun and creative." Artists and their love for various drugs and alcohol is legendary. These legends have long been blamed for promoting psychedelics and intoxicants among the "easily influenced" younger generations. However, time and time again, artists have claimed that drugs and alcohol allegedly helped their creative juices flow. A new study has revealed the truth behind this and says the claim might just be a myth. Researchers from England's Essex University and Berlin’s Humboldt University have reached this conclusion after examining hundreds of papers on intoxicants and their effects. Watch | China trains six squirrels to search for drugs The researchers concluded that the alleged help these drugs provide to aid the creative processes is likely to be a myth and that to inspire creativity, travel, exposure to culture, meditation and good old hard work or training are more effective. Jennifer Haase of the Humboldt University, a co-author of the paper as per Guardian, said that "ideas generated under the influence often seem disjointed or ill-suited as solutions later on." Also read | Countries high on happiness index also report increased drug use "Given the numerous side-effects associated with drug use, it is scientifically unsound to recommend their consumption in pursuit of enhanced creative output," added Haase. Dr Paul Hanel, of the University of Essex's department of psychology, said that drugs do not do anything for creativity. "People don’t benefit from it – it just has no effect at all." Also read | AI comes up with 40,000 toxic chemicals in 6 hours; scientists warn could be used to make biological weapons However, Hanel acknowledged that, in some specific contexts, they might help enhance creativity. For example, someone under the effect of hallucinogenics might have an inspiring vision on their "trip" that enables them to paint a beautiful picture. But this is more of a once-in-a-blue-moon kind of experience and not a run-of-the-mill one. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Do drugs, alcohol make us more creative? Study answers the age-old question

Pablo Picasso was one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century and his paintings are considered modern classics by almost every art enthusiast in the world. &nbsp;Over the years, Picasso’s work has adorned the walls of a number of famous art galleries, and they have also fetched huge sums of money from the buyers. However, it is also one of the most smuggled art items in the world and Spain’s customs office seized a Picasso sketch worth more than €450,000 at the Ibiza Airport. In the official statement, they said that the 1966 sketch known as “Trois Personnages” was found in possession of a man who was carrying it in his suitcase while travelling from Zurich in Switzerland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkiyes-erdogan-says-will-freeze-finland-and-swedens-nato-bids-if-commitments-not-kept-498684">Turkiye's Erdogan says will freeze Finland and Sweden's NATO bids. Here's why</a>

According to The Guardian, the authorities received a tip from their Swiss counterparts about a potential smuggling attempt and that led to the detainment of the suspect. The man will now be facing smuggling charges for not declaring the asset while entering Spain from Switzerland.

When the Spanish authorities questioned the suspect, he said that it is a copy of Picasso’s work and even presented a receipt of 1,500 Swiss francs (£1280) as proof of payment for the object.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/years-of-neglect-leaves-sexual-health-clinics-ill-prepared-for-monkeypox-498674">Years of neglect leaves sexual health clinics ill-prepared for monkeypox</a>

However, further inspection of the sketch and a hidden receipt found in the luggage confirmed that it was the original sketch, and it was valued at more than €454,000 in the art market.

According to a preliminary analysis carried out by art experts, the sketch was indeed a work by the Spanish painter and “the price charged by the gallery is in line with the market price”, they said.

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Pablo Picasso was one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century and his paintings are considered modern classics by almost every art enthusiast in the world.

Pablo Picasso was one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century and his paintings are considered modern classics by almost every art enthusiast in the world. Over the years, Picasso’s work has adorned the walls of a number of famous art galleries, and they have also fetched huge sums of money from the buyers. However, it is also one of the most smuggled art items in the world and Spain’s customs office seized a Picasso sketch worth more than €450,000 at the Ibiza Airport. In the official statement, they said that the 1966 sketch known as “Trois Personnages” was found in possession of a man who was carrying it in his suitcase while travelling from Zurich in Switzerland. Also read | Turkiye's Erdogan says will freeze Finland and Sweden's NATO bids. Here's why According to The Guardian, the authorities received a tip from their Swiss counterparts about a potential smuggling attempt and that led to the detainment of the suspect. The man will now be facing smuggling charges for not declaring the asset while entering Spain from Switzerland. When the Spanish authorities questioned the suspect, he said that it is a copy of Picasso’s work and even presented a receipt of 1,500 Swiss francs (£1280) as proof of payment for the object. Also read | Years of neglect leaves sexual health clinics ill-prepared for monkeypox However, further inspection of the sketch and a hidden receipt found in the luggage confirmed that it was the original sketch, and it was valued at more than €454,000 in the art market. According to a preliminary analysis carried out by art experts, the sketch was indeed a work by the Spanish painter and “the price charged by the gallery is in line with the market price”, they said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Picasso sketch worth more than €450,000 seized by Spanish customs at Ibiza airport

A painting by the world's most famous artist, Pablo Picasso called 'Femme nue couchée' has fetched $67.5 million at Sotheby's auction house in New York.

The painting, which was made in 1932, was a surrealistic depiction of his muse Marie-Thérèse Walter.

"Femme nue couchée," which translates from French to "Nude Reclining Woman," was estimated to sell in excess of $60 million according to a prediction made by Sotheby's.

It comes after another painting by Picasso called "Tete de femme (Fernande)" became the artist's most expensive bronze ever sold at $48.48 million as per Christie's auction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missing-picasso-painting-spotted-in-imelda-marcos-home-after-son-wins-philippines-presidency-478818">Also read |&nbsp;Missing Picasso painting spotted in Imelda Marcos’ home after son wins Philippines presidency</a>

Marie-Thérèse had a secret relationship with Picasso when he was still married to Russian-Ukrainian ballet dancer Olga Khokhlova, who was his first wife.

Despite having an age difference of 28 years, their romance blossomed and Marie-Thérèse became his model for a number of paintings and sculptures and gave birth to his daughter, Maya Widmaier-Picasso.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/heirs-of-pablo-picasso-selling-over-1000-works-of-famous-spanish-artist-as-nfts-448093">Also read |&nbsp;Heirs of Pablo Picasso selling over 1000 works of famous Spanish artist as NFTs</a>

According to the Tate Modern museum, Picasso silenced his critics, who questioned "whether he was an artist of the past rather than the future," with the success of 'Femme nue couchée'.&nbsp;

"Tete de femme (Fernande)" was purchased by Amy Cappellazzo, the former head of Sotheby's global fine art division at an auction in New York.

In 2015, the Spaniard's "Les Femmes d'Alger (Version '0')" had set the record at $179.4 million, making it the most expensive work of 20th Century artwork ever sold until Warhol's iconic portrait broke his record.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A painting by the world's most famous artist, Pablo Picasso called 'Femme nue couchée' has fetched $67.5 million at Sotheby's auction house in New York. The painting, which was made in 1932, was a surrealistic depiction of his muse Marie-Thérèse Walter.

A painting by the world's most famous artist, Pablo Picasso called 'Femme nue couchée' has fetched $67.5 million at Sotheby's auction house in New York. The painting, which was made in 1932, was a surrealistic depiction of his muse Marie-Thérèse Walter. "Femme nue couchée," which translates from French to "Nude Reclining Woman," was estimated to sell in excess of $60 million according to a prediction made by Sotheby's. It comes after another painting by Picasso called "Tete de femme (Fernande)" became the artist's most expensive bronze ever sold at $48.48 million as per Christie's auction. Also read | Missing Picasso painting spotted in Imelda Marcos’ home after son wins Philippines presidency Marie-Thérèse had a secret relationship with Picasso when he was still married to Russian-Ukrainian ballet dancer Olga Khokhlova, who was his first wife. Despite having an age difference of 28 years, their romance blossomed and Marie-Thérèse became his model for a number of paintings and sculptures and gave birth to his daughter, Maya Widmaier-Picasso. Also read | Heirs of Pablo Picasso selling over 1000 works of famous Spanish artist as NFTs According to the Tate Modern museum, Picasso silenced his critics, who questioned "whether he was an artist of the past rather than the future," with the success of 'Femme nue couchée'. "Tete de femme (Fernande)" was purchased by Amy Cappellazzo, the former head of Sotheby's global fine art division at an auction in New York. In 2015, the Spaniard's "Les Femmes d'Alger (Version '0')" had set the record at $179.4 million, making it the most expensive work of 20th Century artwork ever sold until Warhol's iconic portrait broke his record. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV:

Pablo Picasso's painting 'Femme nue couchée' fetches $67.5 million at New York auction

For the first time in nearly 100 years, the depiction of muse and lover by Pablo Picasso as a multi-limbed sea creature will go under the hammer. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The sensuous creation, which is also called&nbsp;'Femme nue couchée’ (Naked woman reclining), seems to have been created during the best years of the artist’s career.&nbsp;

It will star in New York Modern Evening Auction of Sotheby’s on May 17 and&nbsp;may also get sold for over $60 million. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It may also become one of the most valuable portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter, which have been&nbsp;offered at an auction.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sea-lions-enter-salmon-farm-refuse-to-leave-even-weeks-after-gorging-on-fish-in-canada-469150" hreflang="en">Sea lions enter salmon farm, refuse to leave even weeks after gorging on fish in Canada &nbsp;</a>

Brooke Lampley, chair and head, global fine art sales, Sotheby’s, told the Guardian, “Picasso’s portraits of his golden muse Marie-Thérèse are undeniable hallmarks of 20th century art.” &nbsp;

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Appearing at auction for the first time in nearly 100 years, Picasso's 'Femme nue couché’ will star in our New York Modern Evening Auction on 17 May and could become one of the most valuable portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter ever offered at auction: <a href="https://t.co/sygEvsqgf5">https://t.co/sygEvsqgf5</a> <a href="https://t.co/24ZKumVDvb">pic.twitter.com/24ZKumVDvb</a>
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sothebys/status/1512042405570170881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Femme nue couchée was “a deeply lyrical ode to the artist’s unbound desire for Marie-Thérèse; with her fin-like, endlessly pliable limbs, the portrait continues to enchant as it perfectly captures Picasso’s muse as the ultimate expression of his genius”, Lampley added.

Watch | Gravitas: Why are South Koreans sleep deprived?&nbsp;

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Picasso’s affair with Marie-Thérèse Walter, was a secret for several years. The artist had fallen for the 17-year-old girl when he was 45. In 1927, he had noticed her through the window of Galeries Lafayette in Paris. She has also been an inspiration of several drawings, paintings and sculptures of Picasso.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In Femme nue couchée, Walter is depicted by the sensuous limbs of a sea-creature. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For the first time in nearly 100 years, the depiction of muse and lover by Pablo Picasso as a multi-limbed sea creature will go under the hammer. The sensuous creation, which is also called 'Femme nue couchée’ (Naked woman reclining), seems to have been created during the best years of the artist’s career.

For the first time in nearly 100 years, the depiction of muse and lover by Pablo Picasso as a multi-limbed sea creature will go under the hammer. The sensuous creation, which is also called 'Femme nue couchée’ (Naked woman reclining), seems to have been created during the best years of the artist’s career. It will star in New York Modern Evening Auction of Sotheby’s on May 17 and may also get sold for over $60 million. It may also become one of the most valuable portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter, which have been offered at an auction. Also Read: Sea lions enter salmon farm, refuse to leave even weeks after gorging on fish in Canada Brooke Lampley, chair and head, global fine art sales, Sotheby’s, told the Guardian, “Picasso’s portraits of his golden muse Marie-Thérèse are undeniable hallmarks of 20th century art.” Appearing at auction for the first time in nearly 100 years, Picasso's 'Femme nue couché’ will star in our New York Modern Evening Auction on 17 May and could become one of the most valuable portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter ever offered at auction: https://t.co/sygEvsqgf5 pic.twitter.com/24ZKumVDvb — Sotheby's (@Sothebys) April 7, 2022 × Femme nue couchée was “a deeply lyrical ode to the artist’s unbound desire for Marie-Thérèse; with her fin-like, endlessly pliable limbs, the portrait continues to enchant as it perfectly captures Picasso’s muse as the ultimate expression of his genius”, Lampley added. Watch | Gravitas: Why are South Koreans sleep deprived? × Picasso’s affair with Marie-Thérèse Walter, was a secret for several years. The artist had fallen for the 17-year-old girl when he was 45. In 1927, he had noticed her through the window of Galeries Lafayette in Paris. She has also been an inspiration of several drawings, paintings and sculptures of Picasso. In Femme nue couchée, Walter is depicted by the sensuous limbs of a sea-creature. (With inputs from agencies)

For first time, Pablo Picasso’s portrait of muse and lover 'Femme nue couchée’ to go under hammer  

After a year-long absence, the iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ has again assumed its place of honour at the United Nations on Saturday. &nbsp;

It is considered the most powerful anti-war painting in history by numerous art critics. Its removal had angered several diplomats and staff at the UN. &nbsp;

On Saturday, the tapestry of the painting, which has been woven by Atelier J De la Baume-Durrbach, was re-hung outside the security council. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-winter-storm-over-150000-us-homes-witness-chilly-conditions-sans-power-450849" hreflang="en">After winter storm, over 150,000 US homes witness chilly conditions sans power</a>

The yellow wall, where it used to be hung, had been empty since February 2021. &nbsp;

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This morning, Picasso’s iconic Guernica tapestry was reinstalled outside the United Nations Security Council Chamber. 
👇<a href="https://t.co/70wNND2vXs">https://t.co/70wNND2vXs</a> 
 
Watch the installation here:<a href="https://t.co/58Z6hnE0NI">https://t.co/58Z6hnE0NI</a>
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_Spokesperson/status/1489990172909441031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In 1955, the tapestry was commissioned by former US Vice president Nelson Rockefeller and offered to the UN on loan in 1984. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-icebreaker-begins-expedition-to-search-ernest-shackletons-wrecked-ship-endurance-off-antarctica-450827" hreflang="en">South African icebreaker begins expedition to search wrecked ship Endurance</a>

In a statement on Saturday, Nelson A Rockefeller, Jr, the son of the late vice president who owns the tapestry, said that it was being returned on loan to the UN and he intends to donate the work to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the future. &nbsp;

"I am grateful that the tapestry will be able to continue to reach a broader segment of the world's population and magnify its ability to touch lives and educate," Rockefeller said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After a year-long absence, the iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ has again assumed its place of honour at the United Nations on Saturday. It is considered the most powerful anti-war painting in history by numerous art critics.

After a year-long absence, the iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ has again assumed its place of honour at the United Nations on Saturday. It is considered the most powerful anti-war painting in history by numerous art critics. Its removal had angered several diplomats and staff at the UN. On Saturday, the tapestry of the painting, which has been woven by Atelier J De la Baume-Durrbach, was re-hung outside the security council. Also Read: After winter storm, over 150,000 US homes witness chilly conditions sans power The yellow wall, where it used to be hung, had been empty since February 2021. This morning, Picasso’s iconic Guernica tapestry was reinstalled outside the United Nations Security Council Chamber. 👇https://t.co/70wNND2vXs Watch the installation here:https://t.co/58Z6hnE0NI — UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) February 5, 2022 × In 1955, the tapestry was commissioned by former US Vice president Nelson Rockefeller and offered to the UN on loan in 1984. Also Read: South African icebreaker begins expedition to search wrecked ship Endurance In a statement on Saturday, Nelson A Rockefeller, Jr, the son of the late vice president who owns the tapestry, said that it was being returned on loan to the UN and he intends to donate the work to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the future. "I am grateful that the tapestry will be able to continue to reach a broader segment of the world's population and magnify its ability to touch lives and educate," Rockefeller said. (With inputs from agencies)

After year-long absence, iconic tapestry of Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica’ returns to UN   

Famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso's heirs are selling his 1,010 art pieces as non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Marina Picasso, the granddaughter of artist Pablo Picasso, and her son Florian Picasso are vaulting into 21st-century commerce and&nbsp;riding a fad for “crypto” assets that have taken the art and financial worlds by storm.

NFTs, a digital signature saved on blockchain ledgers that allows anyone to verify the ownership and authenticity of items, have become the latest investment craze.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/surgeon-tries-to-sell-x-ray-of-2015s-bataclan-terror-attack-victim-as-nft-447407">Also read |&nbsp;Surgeon tries to sell X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as NFT</a>

NFTs are usually bought with the cryptocurrency Ether or in dollars and the blockchain keeps a record of transactions.

While anyone can view the NFTs, the buyer has the status of being the official owner,&nbsp;a kind of digital bragging rights.

“We’re trying to build a bridge between the NFT world and the fine art world,” said Florian.

“I think it fits within Picasso’s legacies because we are paying tribute to him and his way of working, which was always being creative,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/wikipedia-co-founder-sells-nft-of-first-ever-edit-made-on-its-site-for-750000-437399">Also read |&nbsp;Wikipedia co-founder sells NFT of first ever edit made on its site for $750,000</a>

Meanwhile, Marina said, “It’s a work that represents a face, and it’s very expressive.”

“It’s joyful, happy. It represents life ... It’s one of those objects that have been part of our life, our intimate lives — my life with my children.”

Driven by a surge this year in the market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), often focused on digital-only artworks and other virtual items , Sotheby's flagged an NFT-linked sale of Picasso's "Le peintre et son modèle" in June last year.

The painting sold for 2.25 million pounds ($3.12 million), though plans for the joint sale of an NFT,&nbsp;a one-of-a-kind token that exists on a blockchain - that would link ownership to a digital version were scrapped, the auction house said.

Connoisseurs of Pablo Picasso will soon be able to own a share in one of his paintings for less than $6,000,&nbsp;though that won't actually buy them the right to see the work, which will be stored under lock and key in Switzerland.

(With inputs from agencies)

Famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso's heirs are selling his 1,010 art pieces as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Marina Picasso, the granddaughter of artist Pablo Picasso, and her son Florian Picasso are vaulting into 21st-century commerce and riding a fad for “crypto” assets that have taken the art and financial worlds by storm.

Famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso's heirs are selling his 1,010 art pieces as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Marina Picasso, the granddaughter of artist Pablo Picasso, and her son Florian Picasso are vaulting into 21st-century commerce and riding a fad for “crypto” assets that have taken the art and financial worlds by storm. NFTs, a digital signature saved on blockchain ledgers that allows anyone to verify the ownership and authenticity of items, have become the latest investment craze. Also read | Surgeon tries to sell X-ray of 2015's Bataclan terror attack victim as NFT NFTs are usually bought with the cryptocurrency Ether or in dollars and the blockchain keeps a record of transactions. While anyone can view the NFTs, the buyer has the status of being the official owner, a kind of digital bragging rights. “We’re trying to build a bridge between the NFT world and the fine art world,” said Florian. “I think it fits within Picasso’s legacies because we are paying tribute to him and his way of working, which was always being creative,” he added. Also read | Wikipedia co-founder sells NFT of first ever edit made on its site for $750,000 Meanwhile, Marina said, “It’s a work that represents a face, and it’s very expressive.” “It’s joyful, happy. It represents life ... It’s one of those objects that have been part of our life, our intimate lives — my life with my children.” Driven by a surge this year in the market for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), often focused on digital-only artworks and other virtual items , Sotheby's flagged an NFT-linked sale of Picasso's "Le peintre et son modèle" in June last year. The painting sold for 2.25 million pounds ($3.12 million), though plans for the joint sale of an NFT, a one-of-a-kind token that exists on a blockchain - that would link ownership to a digital version were scrapped, the auction house said. Connoisseurs of Pablo Picasso will soon be able to own a share in one of his paintings for less than $6,000, though that won't actually buy them the right to see the work, which will be stored under lock and key in Switzerland. (With inputs from agencies)

Heirs of Pablo Picasso selling over 1000 works of famous Spanish artist as NFTs

Paintings by Edvard Munch, silverware by Pablo Picasso and a Banksy canvas are among the works on offer at an upcoming Sotheby's auction spanning 500 years of art.

Munch portrait, Picasso silverware and Banksy parody up for auction

Classics on sale as works of Picasso, Miro, Banksy to go under the hammer

World’s most famous stolen paintings that have never been found!

A French charity raffle that raised money for African water projects on Wednesday (May 20) picked the winner of a Pablo Picasso painting worth $1.1 million.

Charity picks winner of 100-euro ticket for 1-million-euro Picasso painting

A retired electrician who kept nearly 300 Pablo Picasso artworks in his garage for almost 40 years told a French appeal court on Monday that the artist&#39;s widow may have wanted to hide the works from his family.

&quot;Mrs Jacqueline Picasso had problems with (her step-son) Claude (Ruiz) Picasso,&quot; Pierre Le Guennec said with a trembling voice, presenting a new version of events to the court in the southern city of Aix-en-Provence.

Le Guennec, convicted last year along with his wife of possessing stolen goods, said that Picasso&#39;s widow Jacqueline asked him to store between 15 and 17 garbage bags containing artworks after he died in April 1973.

The 77-year-old said that some time later she retrieved the bags but gave him one of them, saying: &quot;Keep this, it&#39;s for you.&quot;

Le Guennec said &quot;maybe&quot; the widow was trying to prevent the works from being inventoried for the succession, and said he did not tell the truth in the earlier trial out of &quot;fear of being accused, along with madame, of stealing these bags&quot;.

Le Guennec, who was the Picasso&#39;s&nbsp;handyman, had previously testified to being given the drawings while the artist was still alive, in 1971 or 1972. The couple&#39;s lawyer Eric Dupond-Moretti said he had learned the new version of events only a few days ago.&nbsp;

Le Guennec said Jacqueline gave him the 271 works --- 180 single pieces and a notebook containing 91 drawings --- as a gift recognising the couple&#39;s devotion.

He described the works as &quot;drawings, sketches, (and) crumpled paper&quot;. Uninterested in the haul, Le Guennec said he put the collection in his garage and discovered it again in 2009.

&nbsp;

Staggering lie

Claude Ruiz-Picasso&#39;s lawyer Jean-Jacques Neuer angrily denounced Le Guennec&#39;s testimony as a &quot;staggering lie&quot;, saying the case involved the &quot;art market&#39;s darkest and most powerful&quot; forces engaged in an &quot;international stolen art laundering&quot; scam.&nbsp;

The collection, whose value has not been assessed, includes drawings of women and horses, nine rare Cubist collages from the time Picasso was working with fellow French artist Georges Braque and a work from his &quot;blue period&quot;. Other more intimate works include portraits of Picasso&#39;s mistress Fernande, drawings of his first wife Olga and a drawing of a horse for his children. The works were created between 1900 and 1932.

The authorities seized them after Le Guennec tried to get them authenticated in 2010, showing them to Claude Ruiz-Picasso, who represents the artist&#39;s six heirs.&nbsp;The Picassos immediately pressed charges, and the works were handed over to Ruiz-Picasso.

The Le Guennecs were initially given two-year suspended prison terms for possessing stolen goods by a court in March 2015. The investigation did not formally identify the thief or thieves.&nbsp;

The defendants faced maximum jail time of five years and a fine of 375,000 Euros ($410,000) --- or half the value of the pieces, whichever figure turned out to be greater --- if the conviction was upheld. The prosecutor has asked for the couple to be given five-year suspended sentences saying they had harmed Picasso&#39;s &quot;memory&quot;.

&nbsp;

No works were signed&nbsp;

The trial centred on why none of the works was signed, with several witnesses saying the artist would sign everything,&nbsp;partly to ensure against theft.

According to Gerard Sassier, the son of Picasso&#39;s long-time cleaning woman, the artist once said after an attempted theft: &quot;Anyway, nothing can be stolen as nothing is signed.&quot;

One of the few plaintiffs to have known Le Guennec when he was employed by the Picasso family, the artist&#39;s grand-daughter Catherine Hutin-Blay, acknowledged during the trial that the electrician did have a special relationship with the artist.

Prosecutor Laurent Robert said Le Guennec was a pawn who was manipulated by unscrupulous art dealers trying to obtain works initially stolen by Picasso&#39;s former chauffeur.

(AFP)

A retired electrician said Jacqueline Picasso asked him to store 15 to 17 garbage bags containing artwork after the famous painter's death

A retired electrician who kept nearly 300 Pablo Picasso artworks in his garage for almost 40 years told a French appeal court on Monday that the artist's widow may have wanted to hide the works from his family. "Mrs Jacqueline Picasso had problems with (her step-son) Claude (Ruiz) Picasso," Pierre Le Guennec said with a trembling voice, presenting a new version of events to the court in the southern city of Aix-en-Provence. Le Guennec, convicted last year along with his wife of possessing stolen goods, said that Picasso's widow Jacqueline asked him to store between 15 and 17 garbage bags containing artworks after he died in April 1973. The 77-year-old said that some time later she retrieved the bags but gave him one of them, saying: "Keep this, it's for you." Le Guennec said "maybe" the widow was trying to prevent the works from being inventoried for the succession, and said he did not tell the truth in the earlier trial out of "fear of being accused, along with madame, of stealing these bags". Le Guennec, who was the Picasso's handyman, had previously testified to being given the drawings while the artist was still alive, in 1971 or 1972. The couple's lawyer Eric Dupond-Moretti said he had learned the new version of events only a few days ago. Le Guennec said Jacqueline gave him the 271 works --- 180 single pieces and a notebook containing 91 drawings --- as a gift recognising the couple's devotion. He described the works as "drawings, sketches, (and) crumpled paper". Uninterested in the haul, Le Guennec said he put the collection in his garage and discovered it again in 2009. Staggering lie Claude Ruiz-Picasso's lawyer Jean-Jacques Neuer angrily denounced Le Guennec's testimony as a "staggering lie", saying the case involved the "art market's darkest and most powerful" forces engaged in an "international stolen art laundering" scam. The collection, whose value has not been assessed, includes drawings of women and horses, nine rare Cubist collages from the time Picasso was working with fellow French artist Georges Braque and a work from his "blue period". Other more intimate works include portraits of Picasso's mistress Fernande, drawings of his first wife Olga and a drawing of a horse for his children. The works were created between 1900 and 1932. The authorities seized them after Le Guennec tried to get them authenticated in 2010, showing them to Claude Ruiz-Picasso, who represents the artist's six heirs. The Picassos immediately pressed charges, and the works were handed over to Ruiz-Picasso. The Le Guennecs were initially given two-year suspended prison terms for possessing stolen goods by a court in March 2015. The investigation did not formally identify the thief or thieves. The defendants faced maximum jail time of five years and a fine of 375,000 Euros ($410,000) --- or half the value of the pieces, whichever figure turned out to be greater --- if the conviction was upheld. The prosecutor has asked for the couple to be given five-year suspended sentences saying they had harmed Picasso's "memory". No works were signed The trial centred on why none of the works was signed, with several witnesses saying the artist would sign everything, partly to ensure against theft. According to Gerard Sassier, the son of Picasso's long-time cleaning woman, the artist once said after an attempted theft: "Anyway, nothing can be stolen as nothing is signed." One of the few plaintiffs to have known Le Guennec when he was employed by the Picasso family, the artist's grand-daughter Catherine Hutin-Blay, acknowledged during the trial that the electrician did have a special relationship with the artist. Prosecutor Laurent Robert said Le Guennec was a pawn who was manipulated by unscrupulous art dealers trying to obtain works initially stolen by Picasso's former chauffeur. (AFP)

Picasso's widow may have hidden art, says electrician who stored stolen artwork

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