International Raffle Offers Picasso Painting to Fund Alzheimer's Research

A unique international charity raffle is being organized to raise funds for Alzheimer's disease research, featuring an original Picasso painting valued at over 1 million euros ($1.2 million). The painting, titled "Tête de femme" ("Woman's head"), was created in 1941 and depicts Dora Maar, one of Picasso's muses. The raffle aims to sell 120,000 tickets at 100 euros each, with proceeds directed to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation, France's leading funder of Alzheimer's research.

Philippine StarThe Local (France)New York Times

The initiative is spearheaded by Péri Cochin, a French television producer and owner of the tableware company Waww La Table. Cochin was inspired to create a global raffle after witnessing the success of similar fundraising events. In previous years, the same organizers conducted two successful raffles of Picasso paintings in 2013 and 2020, which attracted significant attention and participation. The first raffle was won by a 25-year-old American, while the second was claimed by an accountant from Italy.

New York Times

Tickets for the raffle are available online at www.1picasso100euros.com, with the drawing scheduled to be livestreamed from Christie's auction house in Paris on April 14. The event is supported by Picasso's family and foundation, ensuring authenticity and backing for the initiative. The funds raised will support clinical research programs, doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships, and the promotion of research sharing.

The Local (France)

Cochin expressed her vision for the raffle, stating that she wanted to create an opportunity for anyone worldwide to participate, rather than limiting it to a small audience. She noted, “I wanted to organize a raffle that was open to anyone in the world.” Olivier Picasso, Pablo Picasso’s grandson, has also endorsed the initiative, highlighting its potential impact on Alzheimer’s research.

New York Times

While the raffle has garnered support, some critics question the ethics of raffling high-value art for charity. Concerns have been raised about the commodification of art and whether such initiatives might detract from traditional fundraising methods. However, no specific dissenting voices have been prominently featured in the sources.

New York Times

As the raffle date approaches, organizers are focused on maximizing ticket sales and raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease. The livestream event is expected to attract significant attention, potentially influencing future fundraising strategies in the art world.

New York Times

• “The painting is a portrait of Dora Maar, one of Picasso's muses, produced by the artist in 1941 and titled "Tête de femme" ("Woman's head").” — Source Summary

The Local (France)

This innovative approach to fundraising not only aims to support critical research but also engages a global audience in the appreciation of fine art.

New York Times