The original dye transfer print for David Bowie’s iconic "Aladdin Sane" album cover sold for $496,000 at Bonham’s on Wednesday, setting a record for the most expensive piece of album artwork ever sold at auction.
The image, known as the “Mona Lisa of Pop,” is among the most famous covers of its era, featuring Bowie with a painted red-and-blue lightning bolt across his face.
Bonhams sold the lot as one of multiple from “The Duffy Archive,” a collection of pieces from the photographer Duffy’s personal collection.
"The cover of David Bowie's 'Aladdin Sane' is a truly iconic image by Duffy. It represents a landmark album by Bowie and a pivotal moment in pop-culture history,” Claire Tole-Moir, head of Bonhams' popular culture department, said in a statement.
The previous record sale for a piece of original album artwork was $325,000, paid for Led Zeppelin’s debut album in 2020.
"Duffy would be honored to know that 15 years after his passing that the 'Mona Lisa of Pop' has achieved a world record and cemented its position as a cultural icon,” Duffy’s son, Chris Duffy, said in a statement.
The "Aladdin Sane" album sold more than 7 million units.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.