Sotheby's will auction seven works by Pablo Picasso on June 24-25, 2026 in London, valued at approximately €30 million, as part of the sale of the collection of British businessman Joe Lewis, former owner of Tottenham Hotspur.
The artworks span from 1899 to 1961, with the centerpiece being "Buste de femme" (1938), a portrait of Dora Maar valued between €14 and €20 million. Sotheby's confirms the sale is part of "Masterpieces from the Lewis Collection," the highest-value art offering ever presented in London, with an estimated total exceeding 150 million pounds (approximately $200 million).
The seven Picassos represent different periods of the artist's career, from his Blue Period through his final years. Notable works include "Baigneuses, sirènes, femme nue et minotaure" (1937), estimated at €4-5 million, and "Tête de femme" (1921), valued between €2.3 and €3.5 million. The Dora Maar portrait has not been publicly exhibited for over half a century and is part of the artist's series depicting his French companion between 1936 and 1944. The sale will take place in the main salesroom at New Bond Street over two afternoon sessions, with the 25 most valuable lots presented on the first day. Opening prices for each lot will be published in the digital catalogue the week before the auction, following Sotheby's standard schedule.
Beyond the Picassos, the Lewis Collection includes works by Matisse, Klimt, Gauguin, and Lucian Freud. The auction house predicts the results will set a new market record for single-owner collections in London. The full session will be broadcast live on June 24 from the New Bond Street headquarters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the seven Picassos being auctioned in London?
June 24-25, 2026 at Sotheby's New Bond Street, as part of the Masterpieces from the Lewis Collection series, according to El Universal and Sotheby's.
Which Picasso is the most valuable?
Buste de femme (1938), a portrait of Dora Maar, estimated at €14-20 million. It has not been publicly displayed for over 50 years.
What is the total value of the Lewis Collection?
More than 150 million pounds (approximately $200 million), according to Sotheby's. The collection includes works by Picasso, Matisse, Klimt, Gauguin, and Lucian Freud.
Sources
- https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/cultura/siete-picassos-saldran-a-subasta-en-londres-por-un-valor-de-30-millones-de-euros/
- https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/masterpieces-from-the-lewis-collection
This article was drafted with AI assistance from verified sources and reviewed by an editor before publication.