Picasso's "Woman With A Watch" Sells For $139.3 Million, Setting Auction Records

One of Pablo Picasso's masterpieces, "Woman with a Watch," was sold at auction for a staggering $139.3 million by Sotheby's in New York, marking the second-highest price ever achieved for the artist. The sale took place in a crowded room at the prestigious auction house, where it took just a few minutes of telephone bidding for the 1932 painting to find its new owner. This exquisite artwork depicts Marie-Therese Walter, one of Picasso's muses and companions, showcasing the deep emotional and artistic connection they shared.

Valued at over $120 million before the bidding began, "Femme à la montre" was a highlight of a special sale featuring the collection of New York arts patron Emily Fisher Landau, who passed away this year at the age of 102. Julian Dawes, Sotheby's head of impressionist and modern art, praised the canvas, stating it is "a masterpiece by every measure." This remarkable sale not only emphasizes Picasso's enduring legacy but also reflects the high demand for his works in today's art market.

The artwork was painted in 1932, a year often referred to as Picasso's "annus mirabilis," overflowing with joy and passion while remaining meticulously crafted. Walter, often called Picasso's "golden muse," continues to inspire admiration and intrigue, with another of her portraits, "Femme endormie" (or "Sleeping Woman"), expected to go under the hammer soon. The art world is abuzz with excitement, and it seems that Picasso's works are commanding ever-increasing prices, adding to his already monumental status in modern art.

Detail	Information
Artist	Pablo Picasso
Artwork	Woman with a Watch
Sale Price	$139.3 million
Auction House	Sotheby's
Year Painted	1932
Muse	Marie-Therese Walter
Collection Owner	Emily Fisher Landau
Landau's Age at Passing	102