For Ari Hodara, a 58-year-classic engineer and art enthusiast, a casual weekend discovery turned into a life-altering windfall. After stumbling upon a charitable lottery, Hodara purchased a ticket that would eventually grant him ownership of a masterpiece by Pablo Picasso, a work valued at approximately 1.2 million US dollars.
The surreal nature of the win became apparent during a Tuesday videocall from Christie’s auction house in Paris. When informed that he was the lucky winner, Hodara’s first reaction was one of disbelief. “¿Cómo sé que no es una broma?” (How do I know this isn’t a joke?), he asked, struggling to process that he was now the owner of a piece of art history created in 1941.
The ticket, numbered 94,715, cost Hodara just 100 euros (approximately 118 US dollars). This improbable stroke of luck was part of a larger philanthropic effort: the “Un Picasso por 100 euros” raffle, which saw more than 120,000 tickets sold globally, raising roughly 11 million euros (13 million US dollars) to fund critical medical research.
Fuente de la imagen, EPA
The Muse and the Masterpiece
The prize is not merely a financial asset but a significant piece of 20th-century modernism. Titled “Cabeza de mujer” (Woman’s Head), the artwork is a gouache on paper, executed in the bold, fragmented style that defines Picasso’s approach to form. The subject of the portrait is Dora Maar, the French surrealist artist who served as both Picasso’s partner and a recurring muse during one of the most turbulent periods of his career.
For Hodara, the win is a personal delight beyond the monetary value. “Me sorprendió, eso es todo,” he admitted during a follow-up call with the auctioneers. “Cuando apuestas a esto, no esperas ganar (…) Pero estoy muy contento porque me interesa mucho la pintura, y es una gran noticia para mí.”
The logistical ease of the win was a point of celebration for the organizers. French journalist Peri Cochin, who coordinated the raffle with the support of the Picasso family and foundation, noted that while tickets were sold in dozens of countries, the fact that Hodara lives in Paris simplifies the handover process. It’s a poetic return for the artwork to the city where Picasso spent much of his life and where his legacy is preserved across several museums.
Funding the Fight Against Alzheimer’s
While the individual win captures the imagination, the broader impact of the raffle is measured in scientific potential. The proceeds from the 120,000 tickets have been split between two primary beneficiaries. One million euros was allocated to the Galería de la Ópera, the original owner of the painting, while the remaining funds were donated to the Fondation Française pour la Recherche sur la Maladie d’Alzheimer.
Olivier de Ladoucette, director of the foundation, emphasized the gravity of the contribution, stating that this initiative is a step toward a future where Alzheimer’s becomes nothing more than a “bad memory.”
A History of High-Stakes Philanthropy
This event marks the third iteration of the “Un Picasso por 100 euros” concept, which has a track record of blending high art with global humanitarian aid. The previous winners and causes highlight the diverse reach of the initiative:
| Year | Winner | Beneficiary Cause |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | US Citizen (25 years old) | Conservation of Tyre, Lebanon |
| 2020 | Italian Accountant (58 years old) | Sanitation in Cameroon, Madagascar, and Morocco |
| Current | Ari Hodara (58 years old) | Alzheimer’s Research (France) |
The Intersection of Art and Accessibility
The raffle challenges the traditional exclusivity of the art market. Typically, a work valued at 1.2 million dollars is accessible only to a modest circle of high-net-worth collectors and institutional galleries. By democratizing the chance of ownership through a lottery, the organizers have managed to turn a static asset into a dynamic engine for social good.
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The event as well underscores the enduring market power of Picasso. Even in a charitable context, the name alone was enough to drive tens of thousands of people across different continents to invest in a ticket, proving that the fascination with the Spanish master remains global and timeless.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Information regarding the valuation of art is based on estimates provided by the organizers and auction houses.
The next phase of the process involves the formal delivery of “Cabeza de mujer” to Ari Hodara in Paris. Following the transfer of ownership, the French Foundation for Alzheimer’s Research will begin integrating the donated funds into their ongoing research projects.
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