Sotheby’s First Saudi Auction to Feature Works by Picasso & Warhol

The works of globally renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Fernando Botero will be featured at the first Sotheby’s auction to be held in Saudi Arabia

The event, titled ‘Origins’, will feature over 100 pieces spanning digital art, jewellery, watches, sports memorabilia, and luxury handbags. A free exhibition preceding the auction will take place at the historic Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah.

The auction highlights include two of Warhol’s 1980s ‘Toy Painting’ series, ‘Police Car’ and ‘Space Ship’, each expected to fetch between USD 150,000 and USD 200,000. Warhol’s ‘Queen Elizabeth II’ portrait is estimated to sell for USD 200,000 to USD 400,000. Picasso’s 1948 pencil-on-paper work ‘Fleurs’, valued at USD 50,000 to USD 70,000, exemplifies the artist’s mastery of dynamic linework and organic forms.Other notable works include Magritte’s surrealist gouache ‘L'État de veille’ and Botero’s bronze sculpture ‘Man on Horse’, each estimated at USD 1 million to USD 1.5 million. Syrian artist Louay Kayali’s ‘Then What??’, estimated at USD 500,000 to USD 700,000, offers a poignant exploration of social issues, portraying a group of figures with a central young boy holding a lifeless dove.

The event will also spotlight regional talent, including Saudi artists Mohammed Al Saleem and Abdulhalim Radwi, alongside prominent Middle Eastern artists Louay Kayali, Huguette Caland, and Samia Halaby.