Full Breakdown
Raffle of Picasso's Tête de Femme to Benefit Alzheimer's Research
4/13/2026, 8:39:40 AM
Overview of the Raffle Event
A raffle in France is set to offer participants the chance to win Pablo Picasso's 1941 painting, Tête de Femme (Head of a Woman), for a ticket price of €100 (£87). The event aims to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, which is affiliated with a prominent public hospital in Paris. The raffle organizers have capped ticket sales at 120,000, potentially generating up to €12 million if all tickets are sold. From this amount, €1 million will be allocated to the Opera Gallery, the international art dealership that currently owns the painting.
Historical Context of Previous Raffles
This initiative follows two successful previous raffles of Picasso's works, which collectively raised over €10 million for various charitable causes. The inaugural raffle in 2013 featured the painting Man in the Opera Hat, won by a fire-sprinkler worker from Pennsylvania. The second raffle in 2020 offered the oil-on-canvas Nature Morte, which was won by an Italian accountant. Both events were designed to make Picasso's art accessible to a broader audience, reflecting the artist's own values regarding art ownership.
Key Figures Involved
Olivier Widmaier Picasso, the artist's grandson, has publicly endorsed the raffle, asserting that his grandfather would have supported such charitable initiatives. He described Tête de Femme as undervalued and emphasized Picasso's openness to innovation and philanthropy. Widmaier noted that the winner of the raffle would have the freedom to decide the future of the artwork, aligning with Picasso's legacy of generosity.
Impact and Significance
The funds raised from this raffle will directly support clinical research initiatives aimed at combating Alzheimer’s disease in Europe. The event not only highlights the intersection of art and philanthropy but also aims to engage a wider audience in charitable giving through the allure of winning a significant piece of art.
Official Statements & Responses
The organizers have expressed optimism about the raffle's potential impact, citing the success of previous events. Olivier Widmaier Picasso stated, “My grandfather was always open to innovation and charity,” reinforcing the notion that the raffle aligns with Picasso's values.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He wanted his art to be collected by all kinds of people, not only by the super-rich.” — David Nahmad, Art Collector
- “Widmaier emphasized that the winner will have the freedom to decide what to do with the work, and Picasso was always open to innovation and charity.” — Olivier Widmaier Picasso, Grandson of Pablo Picasso
What's Next
The raffle draw is scheduled for April 14, 2026, at 6 PM local time at Christie’s auction house in Paris, where Tête de Femme will be on display prior to the event. The outcome of this raffle could set a precedent for future charitable art initiatives, further blending the worlds of art collection and philanthropy.
