GLAM / AMOUR

In the world of art, there are few names that resonate as profoundly as Pablo Picasso. The mere mention of his name conjures images of innovation, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. His vast body of work spans decades, reflecting his evolution as an artist and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional art. Among his many masterpieces, one painting stands out as an iconic representation of his genius – “Femme à la Montre,” a timeless work of art that has recently taken center stage at Sotheby’s Dubai.

As the global art community eagerly anticipates the upcoming auction of Emily Fisher Landau‘s remarkable collection, valued at a staggering $500 million, “Femme à la Montre” emerges as the crown jewel of this unparalleled event.

The story of “Femme à la Montre” is a tale of artistic passion, profound inspiration, and the indelible mark of Pablo Picasso on the world of art. Join Glam/Amour, as we delve into the fascinating journey of this masterpiece, exploring the details that make it a true work of genius.

Pablo Picasso had a deep passion for exploring the complexities of human emotion and form, a pursuit that was particularly significant for the artist. His groundbreaking work often transcended traditional boundaries, and “Femme à la Montre” is no exception. This stunning painting, created in 1932, captures Picasso’s fascination with time and the human experience.

In “Femme à la Montre,” Picasso presents a captivating blend of cubism and surrealism, two movements that he played an integral role in shaping. The composition is a testament to his ability to distort and fragment the female form while maintaining an undeniable sense of grace and allure. The woman in the painting, her watchful eye gazing outward, represents the ever-passing moments of our lives, a theme that Picasso revisited throughout his career.

Femme a la Montre is a portrait of the French model Marie-Therese Walter. She became known as Picasso’s ‘golden muse’ and was the subject of some of his most famous portraits. Walter was in a relationship with Picasso from 1927 to about 1935, while he was married to his first wife, dancer Olga Khokhlova. Walter was also the mother of Picasso’s first daughter.

Picasso and Walter’s relationship was a complex but significant one. It was kept secret for some time and was defined by the number of works he painted of her. However, Femme a la Montre, in particular was a portrait that Picasso labored on, depicting Walter in an elevated manner, to express the place she had in his life.

In addition to this, another distinguishing feature is the watch that the artist has placed on Marie-Therese’s wrist. Among the may paintings Picasso created in his long and varied career, only three, including this, are known to feature a watch, yet watches were objects of immense significance to him.

Picasso had a deep passion for exceptional timepieces and owned three of the greatest watches in existence, by Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Patek Phillippe.

In the Femme a la Montre, Marie-Therese wears one of his treasured watches. At the same time the presence of the watch nods to the centuries-old tradition of Vanitas Paintings, with its reference to the transience of both love & life.

To truly understand the significance of “Femme à la Montre,” we must consider its place within the remarkable Fisher Landau Collection. Emily Fisher Landau, a celebrated art patron, spent a lifetime amassing a treasure trove of art that spans a wide array of movements and styles. Her discerning eye and unwavering dedication to art preservation are evident in this exceptional collection, which has become the most coveted consignment in the art market this fall.

The sale of the Fisher Landau Collection represents a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide to witness and acquire some of the most influential works of the 20th century. Among these treasures, “Femme à la Montre” shines as a testament to Picasso’s enduring legacy.

As we examine “Femme à la Montre,” it becomes clear that this painting is more than just a portrayal of a woman with a watch. It is a window into Picasso’s mind, a reflection of his fascination with the passage of time and the human condition. The watch in the woman’s hand, frozen in time, serves as a powerful symbol of mortality, reminding us of the fleeting nature of existence.

The woman herself, with her enigmatic expression, is a study in contradiction. Her features are fragmented and abstract, yet her essence remains intact. Picasso’s ability to convey emotion through abstraction is a testament to his mastery of form and his unparalleled artistic vision.

Sotheby‘s, a name synonymous with art excellence and unparalleled auctions, has emerged victorious in the battle to secure the collection of the late Emily Fisher Landau, the noted art patron who died in March at the age of 102. The trove will be the premiere single-collector offering of the fall auction season in New York this November. The star lot of the group is Pablo Picasso’s Femme à la montre (Woman With a Watch), a 1932 portrait of the artist’s young lover Marie-Therese Walter, which is estimated to achieve “in excess of $120 million,” according to a statement from Sotheby’s.

Other notable works from the collection include a major Mark Rothko from 1958, an Ed Ruscha (Landau had the largest assemblage of his work in private hands and visited his studio often), a Jasper Johns Flag work (one of only four ever to be offered at auction), and an Andy Warhol self-portrait, completed just months before the artist’s death.

As the excitement builds for the auction, the date set for 8th & 9th November at Sotheby’s New York, the art world is holding its collective breath in anticipation. The sale of the Fisher Landau Collection, featuring Picasso’s “Femme à la Montre,” promises to be a historic event that will leave an indelible mark on the art world.

In a world where time often seems to slip through our fingers, Picasso’s “Femme à la Montre” serves as a poignant reminder of the eternal beauty that can be captured in art. As we eagerly await the final gavel strike, one thing is certain – “Femme à la Montre” will continue to inspire and captivate art lovers, reminding us that the passage of time may be inevitable, but the beauty we create endures forever.