Rare Michael Jackson Signed Drawings to Be Auctioned; Estate Questions Authenticity — UPDATE

23 July, 2024

UPDATE: This story was updated on Thursday (Aug. 1) with a statement from the Michael Jackson Estate questioning the authenticity of the drawings.

A rare collection of Michael Jackson‘s signed drawings will be auctioned off on Aug. 3. The 78 sketches made using wax pencils and pastels as well as watercolors include images of the singer in a Jedi-style robe, as well as drawings of chairs, Michelangelo’s David, a number of U.S. presidents, Peter Pan, pop art icon Andy Warhol, Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II.

“Get ready to own some of the most coveted pieces of art by one of the biggest music icons in the world,” reads a description from auction house Kings Auctions. “These one of a kind pieces of art aren’t just an investment, they are your chance to own a piece of music history.”

The sale will take place at a yet-undisclosed location in Los Angeles next month. “He was influenced by many art genres, from classical and architectural to pop art and even formal portraiture. He also had a great fondness for London and British customs,” the auction house added of the sketches, all of which are signed and some of which are double-sided.

A week after the announcement of the auction, a representative for the Jackson estate provided Billboard with the following statement: “The Estate of Michael Jackson does not accept that this artwork was created by Michael Jackson. Our representatives examined this artwork several years ago while it was being stored in a hangar at the Santa Monica airport, and the inspection only raised further concerns. We have made this clear to the auction house and others many times since. The Estate asked for evidence that these works were in fact created by Michael, and no sufficient evidence has ever been produced. Caveat emptor.”

At press time a spokesperson for Kings Auctions had not returned Billboard‘s request for comment on the authenticity claims by the late singer’s estate.

According to Kings Auctions, the auction will feature one mega-lot, Lot #1, which requires an opening bid of $1 million for the entire collection. If a bidder meets that price then the auction will be over right away; otherwise each piece will be sold separately. “Deemed ‘The Museum Collection’ because of its rare nature, these artworks by Jackson are as intimate as you can get. His inspirations are clearly communicated in each piece, each unique and reflective of the various times in the artists life,” Kings said in describing the works created by the singer who died in 2009 at age 50. “The featured piece will likely be the sketch of Martin Luther King which is a generous 36″ x 48″ in size. It is of course worthy of museum status. Other drawings include portraits of presidents and celebrities, himself, as well as Disney characters, abstracts, and more.”

In describing Jackson’s lifelong obsession with sketching, Kings said, “Jackson’s love for drawing started at an early age. When he was older he sought guidance from world renowned artists to fine tune his talent resulting in these rare pieces of art. Despite being known for his talent in music and dance, it is clear that Jackson had an innate talent for visual art as well.”

Browse the collection here to see images Jackson sketched of shoes, doors, chairs, keys, bi-planes, the gates of his Neverland Ranch and flowers. The auction will be co-hosted by Selling Sunset‘s Bre Tiesi and a yet-unnamed special surprise host.