David Bowie self-portrait heading to Sotheby’s auction

A self-portrait painted by David Bowie in 1996 is set to go to auction for the first time. The piece, produced on paper, is expected to sell for between £35,000 and £55,000 at Sotheby’s Modern British & Irish Art Day Auction in London on Thursday, October 15.

Sotheby’s described the work as one of the most ‘striking and personal’ self-portraits by the musician ever to appear at auction. The artwork features Bowie’s likeness, including his asymmetric eyes, and includes two handprints pressed directly onto the composition.

The piece has remained in the same collection since Bowie gifted it to his gallerist in St Ives. Because there is no definitive record or catalogue raisonne of Bowie’s painting practice, such works are considered exceptionally rare; only two other Bowie self-portraits have previously appeared at auction.