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Christine Ruiz-Picasso, Key Founder of Museo Picasso Málaga, Dies at 97; Lubin Baugin Painting Sets Auction Record

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-08

Christine Ruiz-Picasso, who was the widow of Paul Picasso, the eldest son of Pablo Picasso, passed away at the age of 97 on Monday in Provence, France. She played a crucial role in the founding of Museo Picasso Málaga, which was inaugurated by King Juan Carlos on October 27, 2003. The museum boasts a collection of more than 230 pieces, made possible through contributions from Christine and her son, Bernard Ruiz-Picasso, who serves as the president of the museum's executive council. Annually, the MPM draws approximately 800,000 visitors. In other news, a still life by Lubin Baugin fetched €440,000 at Vichy Enchères on August 16, 2025. The PIN benefit auction on November 15 will feature Peter Halley's "Dada Ji," anticipated to reach at least €140,000. Additionally, a 1941 Hasselblad camera sold for €32,000 at Breker on September 13.

Key facts

  • Christine Ruiz-Picasso died at age 97 on Monday at her home in Provence, France.
  • She was the widow of Paul Ruiz-Picasso, Pablo Picasso's eldest son from his marriage to Olga Khokhlova.
  • Christine Ruiz-Picasso was a key co-initiator and honorary president of the Museo Picasso Málaga.
  • The Museo Picasso Málaga opened on October 27, 2003, inaugurated by then-King Juan Carlos.
  • The museum's collection of over 230 works was enabled by donations from Christine and her son Bernard Ruiz-Picasso.
  • Lubin Baugin's "Nature morte aux financiers" sold for €440,000 at Vichy Enchères on August 16, 2025, setting an auction record.
  • Peter Halley's painting "Dada Ji" is expected to sell for at least €140,000 at the PIN benefit auction on November 15.
  • A 1941 Hasselblad HK 7 hand aerial camera sold for €32,000 at Breker auction house on September 13.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Museo Picasso Málaga
  • Vichy Enchères
  • Louvre
  • Sotheby's
  • Pinakothek der Moderne
  • Breker
  • Museo Picasso-Málaga
  • Le Journal des Arts
  • Junta de Andalucía
  • Palacio de Buenavista
  • Palacio Episcopal de Málaga
  • Episcopal Palace
  • Andalusian government
  • Buenavista Palace

Locations

  • Málaga
  • Spain
  • Provence
  • France
  • Andalusia
  • Toulouse
  • New York
  • United States
  • Cologne
  • Germany
  • Göteborg
  • Sweden

Sources