Uncovering the woman behind Picasso’s painting that sold for a nine-figure sum

Acclaimed as one of the most known artists like Vincent van Gogh, Picasso created numerous works categorized into periods which have often made headlines as the most expensive paintings ever sold. In May, his Femme Assise Pres d’Une Fenetre or Woman Sitting Near a Window(Marie-Therese) broke a record at Christie’s auction house in New York with the hammer price of $103.4m after less than 20 minutes of bidding. The auction house had estimated it would sell for only $55m.

Who is this Picasso’s muse?

Filmophiles and art lovers might be familiar with films and series that depict life and works of this leading 20th century artist influential in development of modern art. By watching the TV series Genius: Picasso produced by the National Geographic, one delves into the turbulent life of this Spanish painter active in Paris. The series featured stories of the painter’s many lovers affairs throughout his life as we can still admire the women in his paintings today. Among them is Woman Sitting Near a Window (Marie-Therese).

The French model Marie Thérèse was the beloved woman behind the recent record-breaking painting. She was as inspiring as Jacqueline Roque appeared in Buste de Femme and Dora Maar who were also portrayed through his genius brushes.

Picasso met the 17-year-old Marie outside the Galeries Lafayette in the summer of 1927 and she soon became his lover. As Marie recalled “He looked at me, he seduced me. He kept looking at my face and when I left he said, “Come back tomorrow”.

His deep love for her beautiful blonde hair and glowing skin was reflected in his dedicated surreal works such as Portrait of Marie-Therese Walter (1932), Reading (1932), Femme Nue Couchee Au Collier (Marie-Therese) (1932), Marie-Therese Walter (1937), and Portrait of Woman in Green Collar (Marie-Therese Walter) (1938), to name but a few. In 1930, the painter brought a private residence in Normandy located in the north of France where he was working and living with this muse. Marie committed suicide 4 years after Picasso’spassing.

Yet, Picasso’s deep love to Marie still resonates today. Critics said Picasso’s works dedicated to Marie are distinguished among his other lovers.

We hope this will inspire you to find a sitter to do a live portrait painting and submit your entry to RCB Portrait Prize 2021, Thailand’s first national portrait competition. The deadline for submissions, 15 August 2021, via [email protected] is fast approaching!

Now is a good opportunity for you to spend quality time underself-quarantine while realising your creativity. You might become one of the finalists and exhibit your work with us! All finalists will compete for the following prizes:

RCB Portrait Prize: 500,000 Baht
Packing Room Prize: 200,000 Baht
People’s Choice Prize: 100,000 Baht

Read entry conditions here https://rivercitybangkok.com/th/blog/2021/02/rcb-portrait-prize

#RCBPORTRAITPRIZE2021