David Bowie's Iconic Aladdin Sane Album Cover Artwork Up for Auction at Bonhams
David Bowie's iconic Aladdin Sane album cover image, featuring the singer with a lightning bolt across his face, is set to be auctioned with an estimated value of £300,000. This artwork, shot by photographer Brian Duffy, is part of a collection of 35 items from the Duffy archive being sold by Bonhams. The lot includes the original stool and camera used during the shoot, as well as a rare contact sheet from the session.
The original inside artwork for the Aladdin Sane album, a full-length image of Bowie as the character, is also up for auction with an estimated value of £150,000 to £200,000. Bonhams' head of popular culture, Claire Tole-Moir, highlighted the significance of Duffy's image in defining Bowie's visual identity and predicted that the original artwork could set a new benchmark in album artwork sales.
Duffy's image of Bowie has gained widespread recognition over the past decade, with the artwork being featured in various exhibitions around the world. The photograph was loaned to the V&A for the David Bowie Is exhibition, which became the museum's most visited international touring show. The image was also showcased at the Southbank Centre's exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Aladdin Sane in 2023.
The Aladdin Sane album cover image, often referred to as the "Mona Lisa of pop" by Duffy's son, Chris, was a collaborative effort between Duffy and artist Philip Castle. Castle airbrushed the photograph, enhancing details like the lightning bolt and Bowie's features. The artwork, created using a dye transfer print, was considered a high-quality and costly process at the time of its production in 1973.
Duffy's close working relationship with Bowie extended beyond the Aladdin Sane album, as he also shot artwork for the Lodger and Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) albums. The upcoming auction of the Aladdin Sane artwork and related items is scheduled to open on 22 October, offering fans and collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of music history.