Full Breakdown
Picasso Painting Raffle to Benefit Alzheimer Research
12/15/2025, 12:12:13 AM
Overview of the Raffle Event
A Pablo Picasso painting, valued at $1.1 million, will be raffled off at an Alzheimer research charity fundraiser scheduled for April 14, 2025, at Christie’s in Paris. The event, organized by the Fondation Recherche Alzheimer, aims to raise funds for Alzheimer research, with approximately 120,000 tickets available for purchase worldwide at around $117 each. Ticket-holders will also have the option to participate online, and security measures will be in place during the drawing.
Details of the Artwork
The painting being raffled is Picasso’s 1941 work, “Tête de Femme,” a gouache-on-paper portrait created during a tumultuous period in the artist's life. Olivier Picasso, the grandson of Pablo Picasso, noted that the portrait was likely painted in the same Paris studio where his grandfather worked on the iconic piece “Guernica.” The artwork was secured from the Opera Gallery for $1.1 million, and the foundation intends to cover this cost through ticket sales, projecting a profit of over $12 million for Alzheimer research.
Financial Implications
The Fondation Recherche Alzheimer has stated that if ticket sales do not meet the necessary amount to cover the painting's cost, the raffle will be canceled, and all ticket-holders will receive a full refund. This contingency plan underscores the foundation's commitment to transparency and financial responsibility in its fundraising efforts.
Perspectives on the Raffle
Olivier Picasso emphasized the significance of linking his grandfather's name to charitable causes, stating, “Associating the name of Pablo Picasso to charity, a charitable purpose, is very important because my grandfather was very generous with the people around him.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend of utilizing high-value art to support philanthropic initiatives.
Previous Raffle Success
This event follows two previous successful Picasso raffles organized by Peri Cochin, a friend of Olivier Picasso. The last raffle, held in 2020, resulted in an Italian accountant winning the painting after receiving the ticket as a Christmas gift from her son. Such past successes may contribute to optimism regarding ticket sales for the upcoming event.
Criticism & Opposition
While the raffle presents a unique fundraising opportunity, some critics may question the ethics of raffling high-value art for charity, arguing that it could detract from traditional fundraising methods or create an elitist atmosphere. However, the foundation maintains that the association with Picasso enhances the charitable purpose and draws attention to the cause.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Associating the name of Pablo Picasso to charity, a charitable purpose, is very important because my grandfather was very generous with the people around him,” — Olivier Picasso, Grandson of Pablo Picasso.
This raffle not only aims to raise significant funds for Alzheimer research but also seeks to engage art enthusiasts and the general public in a charitable endeavor, potentially setting a precedent for future fundraising efforts involving high-value artworks.
