Dora Maar au Chat

Pablo Picasso, 1941

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About This Work

Painted during the dark years of the Nazi occupation of Paris, this monumental portrait shows Dora Maar seated in a wooden chair, a small black cat perched ominously on her shoulder. The painting is characterized by its aggressive, faceted geometry, sharp angles, and a vibrant but discordant color palette, reflecting the pervasive anxiety and tension of wartime. The predatory presence of the cat, often interpreted as a symbol of female cunning or malevolent forces, adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Maar's intense gaze and the overall fragmented composition convey a sense of psychological distress and the harsh realities of life under occupation.

'Dora Maar au Chat' was created in 1941, a period when Picasso was living in occupied Paris, a time of immense hardship and artistic suppression. Despite the challenging circumstances, Picasso continued to paint, often imbuing his portraits with the emotional weight of the era. This painting is a powerful testament to his resilience and his deep connection to Dora Maar, who was his lover and muse during this tumultuous period. The work's record-breaking sale at Sotheby's New York in 2006 for $95.2 million, nearly double its low estimate, underscored its immense art historical significance and market value, especially given its long absence from public view. It remains a poignant symbol of artistic creation amidst adversity.

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