Sotheby’s is set to host its first-ever auction in Saudi Arabia, bringing an impressive array of artwork and collectibles to the historic city of Diriyah at Bujairi Terrace. Scheduled for February 8, the event titled "Tiled Origins" will feature an exhibition and auction including works by iconic artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Fernando Botero, among others.

The exhibition will showcase over 100 pieces from more than 50 acclaimed international and regional artists. This free event provides an unparalleled opportunity for art lovers to engage with a diverse range of artworks, including digital art, jewelry, watches, sports memorabilia, and handbags. Highlighting the global appeal of the event, Ashkan Baghestani, Sotheby’s head of sale and contemporary art specialist, emphasized the importance of introducing new artists to the Saudi audience, many of whom have never been exhibited in the Kingdom before.

Star attractions of the auction

Among the headlining pieces are two works from Andy Warhol’s Toy Painting series from the 1980s, including "Police Car" and "Space Ship," each estimated to fetch between $150,000 and $200,000. Additionally, Warhol's edition of "Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom" portrait is expected to attract bids between $200,000 and $400,000.

Pablo Picasso’s 1948 pencil-on-paper piece titled "Fleurs," which captures his mastery of line and organic forms, carries an estimate between $50,000 to $70,000.

The auction will also feature important works by artists like Rene Magritte, whose "L'Etat de veille" could fetch up to $1.5 million, and Fernando Botero, whose bronze sculpture "Man on Horse" plays on themes resonant both globally and within the region.

From the Middle East, notable works include Louay Kayali’s "Then What??" estimated between $500,000 to $700,000, and Mohammed Al Saleem's "O' God, Honour Them and Do Not Honor an Enemy Over Them," expected to attract bids between $180,000 to $250,000.

A landmark event in Saudi Arabia’s art scene

Sotheby’s inaugural Riyadh auction is a cultural rendezvous, intertwining the artistic expressions of the Middle East with international flair. This event will serve as a vibrant platform to introduce the global community to the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern art, playing into Saudi Arabia’s flourishing cultural scene.

This pivotal auction is a landmark in the Kingdom's cultural ascent, coinciding with the emergence of a spirited art community and the opening of avant-garde spaces like the Digital Art Museum in Riyadh. Ashkan Baghestani, Sotheby’s head of sale and contemporary art specialist, believes that Sotheby’s foray into Saudi Arabia is foundational in positioning the Kingdom as a global art hub, merging both institutional and commercial initiatives to weave a richer cultural narrative.

As Sotheby’s gears up for this momentous occasion, art lovers and collectors are invited to partake in what is more than just an auction—it's a celebration of how art bridges diverse cultures and histories, spotlighting Saudi Arabia as one of the most vibrant emerging centers of the global art scene.

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