An extensive collection of Michael Jackson‘s original artwork — including hand-drawn images of Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Michelangelo’s David, and Jackson himself dressed in a Jedi-style robe — are headed to auction via Kings Auctions.
“Deemed The Museum Collection because of its rare nature,” reads a statement by Kings, “these artworks by Jackson are as intimate as you can get. His inspirations are clearly communicated in each piece, each unique and reflective of the various times in the artists life…Fans and collectors can appreciate the opportunity to own a piece of Michael Jackson’s unique and impressive legacy…these drawings offer a glimpse into the mind of one of the most creative and celebrated figures in recent history.”
The collection includes 76 images. Most are hand-drawn with wax-colored pencils, and some were created on presidential paper that Jackson received during a visit to the White House. A statement on the Kings website notes that the auction is “mandated by the Santa Monica Court” and is not endorsed by the Jackson estate.
Noteworthy items in the collection include Jackson’s renderings of Queen Elizabeth II, Peter Pan, Walt Disney, Ronald Reagan, General Armstrong Custer, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Quincy Abrams. Jackson signed every item in the collection. (Click here to scroll them them all.)
Before the items are sold separately, the auction house will give a bidder an opportunity to purchase the entire collection for $1 million. If no such bidder comes forward, they will be sold individually. The opening bid for each piece of art is $9,999.
The sale will take place next in Los Angeles. It will be co-hosted by Selling Sunset‘s Bre Tiesi and a guest they have yet to announce.
From Rolling Stone US
