Art

Global Icons and Saudi Art Record at Sotheby’s Origins

Unpack how Safeya Binzagr’s record $2.1M sale at Sotheby’s Origins II joined works by Warhol, Lichtenstein and Picasso in reshaping global art markets.

Por: Angela Leon Cervera
Sotheby’s Origins II auction
Safeya Binzagr Coffee Shop in Madina Road. Courtesy of Sotheby's

Sotheby’s “Origins II” auction in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, on January 31 2026 paired modern and contemporary Saudi art with blue-chip works by international masters. The sale included pieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and others alongside modern works from the Middle East.

 

At the heart of the sale, Safeya Binzagr’s Coffee Shop in Madina Road (1968) set a new record for a Saudi artist when it sold for about $2.1 million. This result marked a milestone in how collectors value art from Saudi Arabia.

Safeya Binzagr Coffee Shop in Madina Road. Courtesy of Sotheby's

A Dynamic Mix of Global and Regional Voices

“Origins II” offered more than 70 lots that spanned centuries and geographies. Alongside regional pioneers like Binzagr and Mohammed Al Saleem, the auction featured international highlights. Works by Pablo Picasso (for example, Paysage and other pieces) were included in the catalogue, anchoring the sale with canonical modern art.

 

Collectible pieces by Andy Warhol, such as The Disquieting Muses (After de Chirico) and screenprints of Muhammad Ali, opened conversations between Pop and Middle Eastern modernism.

 

Roy Lichtenstein was also present with several works, including Interior with Ajax (Study) and other Pop works from the artist’s personal collection.

Sotheby’s Origins II auction
Andy Warhol The Disquieting Muses (after de Chirico). Courtesy of Sotheby's
Sotheby’s Origins II auction
Pablo Picasso Paysage. Courtesy of Sotheby's

Safeya Binzagr’s Breakthrough Moment

Safeya Binzagr, widely considered a foundational figure in Saudi modern art, saw her Coffee Shop in Madina Road surpass its estimate and achieve a record price. The result not only solidified her place in market history, but also placed Saudi artists more centrally on the global stage.

 

The sale overall attracted bidders from more than 40 countries. Some of the highest results were driven by collectors eager to engage with both established names and emerging regional voices.

What It Means for the Global Art Scene

By juxtaposing historic names like Picasso, Warhol and Lichtenstein with contemporary Saudi art, Sotheby’s highlighted the dialog between global art history and vibrant regional practices. This blending deepens market interest and invites renewed scholarly attention to artists long underrecognized outside their regions.

 

It also signals confidence in Saudi Arabia’s cultural expansion, as institutions and collectors increasingly see the country as a site for serious art market engagement.

Sotheby’s Origins II auction
Roy Lichtenstein Interior with Ajax (Study). Courtesy of Sotheby's

The Sotheby’s Origins II auction stood out for bringing together storied international figures with record-setting regional artists. Safeya Binzagr’s breakthrough sale alongside works by Picasso, Warhol and Lichtenstein marks a new moment for the Middle Eastern art market’s global resonance.

FAQ: Key Facts About the Sotheby’s Origins II Sale

  • What was Safeya Binzagr’s record sale? Her Coffee Shop in Madina Road (1968) sold for about $2.1 million, a record for a Saudi artist at auction.
  • Which international masters were included? The auction featured works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, among others.
  • Where and when did the auction take place? It was held in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, on January 31 2026.
  • Did the sale draw global bidders? Yes. Collectors from more than 40 countries participated.
  • Why is this auction important? It created dialogue between international and regional art, strengthening global market interest in Middle Eastern modern and contemporary works.

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