Paris, France — A remarkable and previously uncatalogued work by Pablo Picasso, a vibrant portrait of his tumultuous muse and lover, Dora Maar, has dramatically re-emerged from private obscurity. Titled Bust of a Woman in a Flowery Hat (Dora Maar), this rediscovery is being hailed as a major event for the art world, offering fresh insights into Picasso’s state of mind during World War II.
A Wartime Revelation: The Newly Discovered Portrait
The oil on canvas piece was completed in July 1943, a dark period when Paris was under German occupation. Despite the surrounding anguish and the deteriorating nature of his relationship with Maar, the painting presents a surprisingly colorful and relatively serene aesthetic.
Measuring approximately 80 × 60 cm, the portrait deviates slightly from the more tormented and angular representations that characterized Picasso’s earlier depictions of Maar. Instead, this late-war work strikes a unique balance, showcasing a complex mix of emotional distance and vivid, expressive color. Experts suggest this stylistic transition reflects a pivotal moment in the artist’s personal and professional life.