A unique opportunity awaits art enthusiasts as a rare self-portrait by David Bowie, adorned with his handprints, is set to hit the auction block. Created by the iconic singer in 1996, this masterpiece will be featured in Sotheby’s Modern British and Irish Art Day Auction on Oct. 15, marking its first appearance in the market.
Anticipated to fetch between £35,000 to £55,000 (approximately $66,000 to $104,000 CAD), the painting was initially gifted by Bowie to his St Ives gallerist. After being held in a private collection for thirty years, the artwork is now on public display in London before it goes under the hammer.
Part of a series of eight large-scale portraits from the mid-1990s, this particular piece is hailed as the most emotionally charged. Sotheby’s senior specialist, Jen Hardie, commented, “This self-portrait captures David Bowie at his most creative and self-reflective. His direct gaze and handprints pressed onto the composition create an unusually personal connection to the artist.”
The painting, executed on paper, showcases Bowie’s captivating gaze, accentuating his famously asymmetric pupils. The artist’s handprints on the lower portion of the piece add a poignant and intimate element to the artwork.
For those intrigued by this glimpse into Bowie’s artistic persona, this upcoming auction presents a rare chance to own a piece of Starman history firsthand.
