Michael Jackson’s Rare Signed Drawings Up for Auction: Authenticity Questioned
UPDATE: This story was updated on Thursday (Aug. 1) with a statement from the Michael Jackson Estate questioning the authenticity of the drawings and a response from Kings Auctions.
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Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was known for his music, dance, and philanthropic efforts. However, few people know about his passion for drawing. A rare collection of his signed drawings will be auctioned off on August 3, featuring 78 sketches made using wax pencils, pastels, and watercolors. The collection includes images of the singer in a Jedi-style robe, as well as drawings of chairs, Michelangelo’s David, U.S. presidents, Peter Pan, pop art icon Andy Warhol, Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Auction
The sale will take place at a yet-undisclosed location in Los Angeles next month. According to Kings Auctions, the auction house handling the sale, the collection is being sold as a single lot, with a minimum opening bid of $1 million. If the bid meets the minimum, the auction will end immediately, and each piece will be sold separately.
The Drawings
The drawings are signed and some are double-sided. Kings Auctions describes the collection as "The Museum Collection" due to its rarity. The featured piece is a 36" x 48" sketch of Martin Luther King Jr. Other drawings include portraits of presidents and celebrities, himself, Disney characters, abstracts, and more.
Authenticity Questioned
A week after the announcement of the auction, a representative for the Michael Jackson Estate provided Billboard with a statement questioning the authenticity of the drawings. The Estate claims that it has examined the artwork several years ago and raised concerns about its authenticity. The Estate has asked for evidence that the works were created by Michael Jackson, but no sufficient evidence has been produced.
Kings Auctions responded to the Estate’s claim, stating that the attorney for the Estate has confirmed in writing that the Estate’s position is their opinion only and has no factual basis upon which to dispute the authenticity of the artwork.
Provenance
The auction house has provided letters of possible provenance authenticating Jackson’s work. According to Kings Auctions, the auction will feature one mega-lot, Lot #1, which requires an opening bid of $1 million for the entire collection.
The Artist
Michael Jackson’s love for drawing started at an early age. When he was older, he sought guidance from world-renowned artists to fine-tune his talent, resulting in these rare pieces of art. Despite being known for his talent in music and dance, it is clear that Jackson had an innate talent for visual art as well.
Browse the Collection
To see images of the drawings, including sketches of shoes, doors, chairs, keys, bi-planes, the gates of his Neverland Ranch, and flowers, browse the collection here.
Conclusion
The auction of Michael Jackson’s rare signed drawings is a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of music history. While the authenticity of the drawings has been questioned, the auction house has provided evidence to support their claims. The sale will take place on August 3, and interested bidders can register online.
FAQs
Q: What is the minimum opening bid for the collection?
A: The minimum opening bid is $1 million.
Q: How many drawings are included in the collection?
A: There are 78 sketches in the collection.
Q: Are the drawings signed?
A: Yes, all the drawings are signed by Michael Jackson.
Q: Can I bid on individual pieces?
A: If the minimum opening bid is met, the auction will end immediately, and each piece will be sold separately.
Q: How can I register to bid?
A: You can register online through the auction house’s website.
Q: What is the provenance of the drawings?
A: The auction house has provided letters of possible provenance authenticating Jackson’s work.
Q: Can I view the drawings before the auction?
A: The auction house has not announced any public viewing dates for the collection.
