Rare 1996 David Bowie Self‑Portrait with Handprints Goes to Auction

The picture is one of eight large portraits Bowie made in the mid‑1990s. Experts say this one is the most expressive of the group.

The painting will be sold at Sotheby’s Modern British and Irish Art Day Auction on 15 October. The auction house estimates the price at £35,000‑£55,000, about $66,000‑$104,000 Canadian.

Bowie originally gave the painting to his gallerist in St Ives. After three decades in a private collection, it is now shown publicly in London before the sale.

Sotheby’s senior specialist Jen Hardie said, “This self‑portrait captures David Bowie at his most creative and self‑reflective. His direct gaze and handprints pressed onto the composition create an unusually personal connection to the artist.”

Because the work has never been sold before and includes the artist’s own handprints, it is a rare chance for collectors to own a truly personal piece of Bowie’s art.

The picture is one of eight large portraits Bowie made in the mid‑1990s. Experts say this one is the most expressive of the group.

The painting will be sold at Sotheby’s Modern British and Irish Art Day Auction on 15 October. The auction house estimates the price at £35,000‑£55,000, about $66,000‑$104,000 Canadian.

Bowie originally gave the painting to his gallerist in St Ives. After three decades in a private collection, it is now shown publicly in London before the sale.

Because the work has never been sold before and includes the artist’s own handprints, it is a rare chance for collectors to own a truly personal piece of Bowie’s art.