A Paris-based art enthusiast has won a Pablo Picasso painting worth more than $1 million after purchasing a €100 raffle ticket, in a high-profile charity initiative that has drawn global attention to both art and philanthropy.
Ari Hodara, a 58-year-old software engineer, was announced as the winner of the painting titled Tête de Femme (Head of a Woman), a 1941 portrait of Picasso’s muse Dora Maar. The draw took place at Christie’s auction house in Paris as part of the third edition of the “1 Picasso for €100” campaign.
Hodara said he initially struggled to believe the news when organizers contacted him. “How do I check that it’s not a hoax?” he asked after receiving the call, reflecting the disbelief that quickly turned into excitement.
A €100 ticket, a million-euro prize
The winning ticket was one of 120,000 entries sold worldwide, each priced at €100, raising approximately €12 million for charity.
Of the total amount raised, around €1 million will go to Opera Gallery, the current owner of the artwork, while the remaining funds will support Alzheimer’s research through France’s Fondation Recherche Alzheimer.
Hodara said he had purchased the ticket casually over the weekend after learning about the raffle during a meal. “When you bet on this, you don’t expect to win,” he said, adding that owning a Picasso was something he had only imagined while visiting museums.
He indicated that he plans to keep the painting, at least for now, and share the news first with his wife.
A painting shaped by history
The artwork, created in 1941 during World War II, reflects a darker palette associated with Picasso’s life under Nazi occupation in Paris. Art historians say the piece captures both emotional intensity and resilience, with tones of grey and black suggesting the mood of the era while still conveying hope.
Picasso’s grandson, Olivier Widmaier Picasso, has previously described the work as “very interesting,” noting its connection to a turbulent period in the artist’s life and its place within his broader creative evolution.
A growing model for art philanthropy
The raffle initiative, first launched in 2013, has evolved into a unique fundraising model that combines accessibility with high-value art. Previous editions raised millions for causes ranging from cultural preservation in Lebanon to sanitation projects in African communities.
Organizers say the concept is designed to democratize access to art while leveraging the global appeal of Picasso’s name. By allowing participants worldwide to enter for a relatively small amount, the campaign has expanded both its reach and its impact.
This year marked the first time all tickets were sold out, underscoring the growing interest in such initiatives.
As the art world continues to explore new ways of engaging audiences, the success of the Picasso raffle highlights how iconic works can be used to support global causes while creating life-changing moments for participants.
