David Bowie's Aladdin Sane Album Art Sets World Record at Bonhams Auction
On 5 November 2025, a new world record for album artwork was established when the original print of David Bowie's Aladdin Sane cover fetched £381,400 at Bonhams. This renowned image, often referred to as the 'Mona Lisa of Pop,' was taken by photographer Brian Duffy. The auction, named The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive, took place from 22 October to 5 November on bonhams.com, surpassing its estimated value of £250,000-300,000. Additionally, two original contact sheets from the 1973 Aladdin Sane session sold for £19,200, along with a stool used by Bowie, which went for £2,816. All items were sourced from the Duffy Archive, overseen by Chris Duffy, Duffy's son. Claire Tole-Moir, Head of Bonhams' Popular Culture Department, praised the cover as an iconic masterpiece.
Key facts
- The original print of David Bowie's Aladdin Sane album cover sold for £381,400 at Bonhams on 5 November 2025.
- This sale set a new world record for album art.
- The image is known as the 'Mona Lisa of Pop' and was shot by photographer Brian Duffy.
- The auction was part of The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive, held from 22 October to 5 November on bonhams.com.
- The print had an estimate of £250,000-300,000.
- Two original contact sheets from the 1973 Aladdin Sane shoot sold for £19,200.
- The stool used by Bowie during the shoot sold for £2,816.
- All items came from the Duffy Archive, managed by Chris Duffy.
Entities
Artists
- David Bowie
- Brian Duffy
- Chris Duffy
- Claire Tole-Moir
Institutions
- Bonhams
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom