The painting called “Sting Like Bee” or “Stinger Like a Bee”, which Muhammad Ali drew on paper in 1978, was the most requested work among more than 20 paintings of the former world heavyweight champion, reflecting his interest in religion, social justice and his career as a boxer.
Estimates prior to the sale were between $40,000 and $60,000, according to Reuters.
The plaque reads, “I fly like a butterfly, I sting like a bee!” It is said by a boxer who lost to a competitor who raised his arms high as a sign of his victory.
The world heavyweight champion was famous for using this phrase to describe his boxing style.
Bonhams Auctions reported that 26 paintings by Muhammad Ali sold for a total of $945,524, more than three times the minimum initial estimate.
Bonhams said the painting “Sting Like a Bee” was purchased by an Ali collector who lives in Britain. Other buyers have not been identified.
Boxer Muhammad Ali’s passion for drawing was not well known, but he loved drawing as a way to relax after matches or training.
Some of the works for sale were traditional landscape paintings, while others were cartoon-like character illustrations.
A painting he drew in 1979 in red, white and blue on canvas with the inscription “I love you, America” was sold for $150,000, while a drawing of Ali’s calligraphy in 1967 comparing Islam and Christianity was sold for $24,000.
It is noteworthy that the former world heavyweight champion had announced his conversion to Islam in 1964 after winning the title for the first time, when he was called Cassius Clay.
The boxing legend died in 2016 at the age of 74 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, or Parkinson’s.
Ali’s paintings and drawings up for auction came from the collection of Rodney Hilton Brown, who worked with Ali on his artwork.
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