A unique self-portrait created by David Bowie in 1996, featuring his handprints, is set to be auctioned by Sotheby’s Modern British and Irish Art Day Auction on October 15. This piece, estimated to fetch between £35,000 to £55,000, was originally gifted by Bowie to his St Ives gallerist and has been in a private collection for three decades before being showcased in London ahead of the upcoming auction.
The self-portrait is part of a collection of eight large-scale portraits from the mid-1990s, with this particular piece being the most expressive. Sotheby’s senior specialist Jen Hardie described it as capturing Bowie in a creative and self-reflective moment, offering a personal connection to the artist through his direct gaze and handprints on the composition. The painting, characterized by bold colors, showcases Bowie’s prowess in painting during the 1990s and provides a rare insight into him as an artist beyond his music and cultural persona.
The artwork, done on paper, portrays Bowie staring directly at the viewer, highlighting his distinctively different-sized pupils. Additionally, the handprints he imprinted on the lower third of the painting add an intimate touch to the piece. For those interested in owning a piece of David Bowie’s history with a hands-on connection, this upcoming auction presents a unique opportunity to acquire a significant artwork by the legendary artist.