Impressionist / Modern Art

6 May 2009

PABLO PICASSO - Femme au chapeau
Impressionist / Modern Art
Christie’s 6 May Evening Sale in New York of Impressionist & Modern Art is led by Pablo Picasso’s Femme au chapeau, a monumental portrait from the private collection of acclaimed artist and Oscar nominated director Julian Schnabel. Painted in 1971, Femme au chapeau bears proof of the vigor and tireless productivity of Picasso’s final years. The close-up portrait depicts a lone female figure with a fierce gaze and a face reminiscent of the artist’s own. Describing what drew him to the work, Mr. Schnabel commented: 'The figure fills up the rectangle in a way that is very physical. The painting can be read as a self portrait as well as a portrait of a woman. Picasso painted his own image into the head.'
Press Release | Department Information

Sale 2164, Lot 32
PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973)
Femme au chapeau
oil on canvas
76 5/8 x 51 1/8 in. (194.7 x 129.9 cm.)
Painted 26 August 1971
Estimate: $8,000,000 – $12,000,000