A unique opportunity awaits art enthusiasts as a rare autographed self-portrait by David Bowie, complete with his handprints, is set to hit the auction block. The artwork, crafted by the iconic singer in 1996, will make its auction debut at Sotheby’s Modern British and Irish Art Day Auction on October 15th.
Expected to fetch between £35,000 and £55,000 (approximately $66,000 to $104,000 CAD), Bowie initially gave the painting to his St Ives gallerist. After residing in a private collection for three decades, the piece is now publicly displayed in London before its upcoming auction.
Part of a series of eight large-scale portraits from the mid-1990s, this particular self-portrait is deemed the most emotive of the collection. Sotheby’s senior specialist, Jen Hardie, described the piece as a profound representation of Bowie’s creativity and self-reflection, offering a personal connection to the artist through his direct gaze and handprints on the composition.
The vibrant and daring colors of the artwork showcase Bowie’s artistic prowess in the 1990s, allowing viewers to appreciate him not just as a musical or cultural figure, but as a talented artist in his own right. The portrait captures Bowie staring directly at the viewer, highlighting his distinctively uneven pupils, creating a mesmerizing effect with differently sized irises.
The intimate addition of Bowie’s handprints on the painting further enhances its uniqueness. For those intrigued by acquiring a piece of David Bowie’s legacy firsthand, this auction presents a rare opportunity to do so.