Who Owns Work by Pablo Picasso?

Madonna, the iconic musician and star, has long been known for her passion for art, which is reflected in her impressive personal art collection. In 2000, she acquired Picasso's Buste de Femme à la Frange (1938) for £3.75 million through a Christie’s auction. This acquisition underscored her appreciation for groundbreaking artistic achievements, and her desire to be surrounded by works of great historical significance. In a Billboard interview, Madonna drew a parallel between her own relentless creative drive and Picasso’s prolific output, noting; “Life inspired him and he had to keep expressing himself..and that's how I feel.” This alignment with Picasso's enduring work ethic highlights Madonna's dedication to pushing boundaries in her own career, making the piece not just a valued possession, but also a personal emblem of her own artistic philosophy.

Leonardo DiCaprio, acclaimed actor and dedicated art collector, unexpectedly found himself entwined in the high-profile 1Malaysia Development Berhad embezzlement scandal in 2017. Known for his passion for art, DiCaprio’s collection includes works by some of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century, including a 1939 Picasso drawing entitled Fillette. However, two pieces in his collection, including a £2.4 million Picasso artwork titled Nature Morte au Crane de Taureau (1939), became central to the 1MDB controversy. The artworks were reportedly gifted to DiCaprio by financier Jho Low, who was instrumental in funding The Wolf of Wall Street, a film DiCaprio starred in and which was produced by a company associated with the scandal. Low and his associates allegedly syphoned billions from the 1MDB fund, meant for Malaysian economic development, and used it for extravagant purchases, including high-value artworks. Upon learning of the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation, DiCaprio voluntarily offered to return the pieces to the authorities, despite DiCaprio’s intention to auction the Picasso for his environmental foundation. This unexpected development underscores DiCaprio's prominent position in the art world, as well as his proactive commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in his role as a high-profile art collector.

Legendary actor Jack Nicholson began building his extraordinary art collection in 1960, with its value now estimated at around £113 million. Nicholson has curated an impressive assortment of works from some of the greatest artists of the 20th century, including masterpieces by Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Amedeo Modigliani, alongside iconic works by artists such as Andy Warhol. Nicholson’s focus is primarily on 20th-century and contemporary art, making his collection one of the most significant in Hollywood. In 1995, American artist Ed Ruscha described Nicholson’s collection as “one of the best collections out here,” highlighting its prominence within the art world.

Despite rumours, American rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z does not actually own a Picasso artwork, a surprising revelation given the frequent Picasso references throughout his 2013 album Magna Carta Holy Grail. In his song ‘Picasso Baby’, Jay-Z compares himself to artistic giants such as Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, while also referencing renowned institutions such as MoMA and Christie’s auction house. These references suggest a connection to the elite world of art collecting, but Jay-Z has yet to acquire the Picasso he desires. He even acknowledged this in a rare interaction with fans on Twitter, humorously noting that his birthday might be a good occasion for such a purchase. For Jay-Z, art represents more than status, it symbolises creativity, legacy, and cultural significance. By aligning himself with these artistic legends, he positions his own work as revolutionary, striving to create a ‘magna carta’ for the modern era. His relationship with art goes beyond ambitious collecting; it reflects his desire to be seen as a cultural figure on par with the greatest creatives in history.