An extraordinary collaboration between two industry greats, Picasso: Masterworks from the MGM Resorts Fine Art Collection features exceptional works from the MGM Resorts Collection hosted by Sotheby’s and conducted live from the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on October 23. This historic auction will comprise eleven works, all until recently on display in the Bellagio’s renowned Picasso restaurant. Marking the first ever marquee auction in North America outside Sotheby’s signature New York auction venue, this event is highlighted by Picasso’s Femme au béret rouge-orange, a stunning portrait of one of the artist’s most influential lovers and muses. Painted in 1938, this picture is one of the last great paintings of Marie-Thérèse Walter.

Joining this striking portrait are two monumental canvases from 1969. One of Picasso’s largest paintings from this period, Homme et enfant reflects the artist’s spontaneous late style and speaks to his legacy as an artist, man and father—all central preoccupations in Picasso’s later years. Both Homme et enfant and Buste d’homme, which recontextualizes the artist as a virile musketeer, were featured in the historic 1970 exhibition at the Palais des Papes in Avignon organized by Christian Zervos.

Two Cubist-inspired still lifes round out the exceptional group of paintings. Painted during Picasso’s period of isolation in Paris during World War II, Nature morte aux fleurs et au compotier and Nature morte au panier de fruits et aux fleurs stand as testaments to Picasso’s enduring spirit of creation and embody the artist’s defiant resistance in the face political conflict. Nature morte au panier de fruits et aux fleurs was exhibited at the 1944 Salon d’Automne; known as the ‘Salon de la Libération,’ the historic show that followed the liberation of Paris and was Picasso’s first major exhibition since the war began.

Further curated with an array of ceramics and two masterful works on paper, Picasso: Masterworks from the MGM Resorts Fine Art Collection charts the inimitable career of one of history’s greatest artists.

Exhibition & Auction Schedule for Picasso: Masterworks from the MGM Resorts Fine Art Collection

Preview Highlights Exhibition | Sotheby’s, New York, September 7 – 12

Preview Highlights Exhibition | Hua Nan Bank International Convention Center, Taipei, September 18-19 10am-7pm (By appointment only; RSVP with Angel.Chiang@sothebys.com)

Preview Highlights Exhibition | Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong, October 7 – 11

Pre-Sale Exhibition | Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, Las Vegas, October 21- 23

Auction | Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, Las Vegas, October 23