A Rare Marilyn Monroe Portrait by Artist Pauline Boty to Be Auctioned at Christie’s London
A portrait celebrating the iconic Marilyn Monroe by British artist Pauline Boty is set to be one of the highlights at Christie’s London next month. The artwork, titled “Epitaph to Something’s Gotta Give,” is expected to fetch between £500,000 and £800,000 (US$631,825 to US$1 million) at the auction.
A Symbol of Female Empowerment: Epitaph to Something’s Gotta Give
“Epitaph to Something’s Gotta Give” draws inspiration from the unfinished screwball comedy featuring Marilyn Monroe, directed by George Cukor, which was unexpectedly halted in 1962. The painting features bold imagery, with Monroe depicted in a swimming pool against a striking red background and highlights of blue. The artist drew the actress from a photograph featured in Life magazine.
The artwork also includes an image of a statue, which holds personal significance for Boty. The statue is from a stained-glass window at the Royal College of Art, where Boty was unable to enter the painting program due to her gender. As a result, she pursued stained-glass instead. Thus, the painting serves as a statement on female empowerment.
A Powerful Tribute: Boty’s Marilyn Monroe Collection
“Epitaph to Something’s Gotta Give” is not the first time Pauline Boty celebrated Marilyn Monroe in her artwork. Two other paintings, “Colour Her Gone” from 1962 and “The Only Blond in the World” from 1963, are held in museum collections. “Colour Her Gone” is exhibited at the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, while “The Only Blond in the World” can be found at the Tate in London.
International Exhibitions and Viewing Dates
“Epitaph to Something’s Gotta Give” was first showcased in 1962 at the Arthur Jeffress Gallery in London. The artwork gained attention again in 2013 when it was displayed at the Wolverton Art Gallery. Now, the painting will be available for public viewing at Christie’s in New York from Friday to February 21, and in London from March 13 to March 20.
Analyst comment
Positive news: A rare Marilyn Monroe portrait by Pauline Boty is set to be auctioned at Christie’s London. The artwork, titled “Epitaph to Something’s Gotta Give,” is expected to fetch between £500,000 and £800,000. This auction highlights the significance and value of Boty’s work and the enduring popularity of Marilyn Monroe as an iconic figure.
As an analyst, the market for this artwork is likely to be strong, driven by collectors and investors who appreciate the rarity and historical significance of the piece. The expected high price range indicates the demand and potential competition for the artwork. This auction could also contribute to the growing recognition and appreciation of Pauline Boty’s contributions to the art world.
