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Muhammad Ali’s paintings are up for auction

A rare collection of drawings and paintings of American boxer Muhammad Ali, who loved to paint between matches, will be auctioned in New York next week. Organizers said that although everyone knew about Ali’s boxing talent, very few people knew about his drawing habits.

The collection of 24 pieces, many in cartoon style and some bearing his signature, reflect Ali’s interest in religion and social justice, but there are also some cartoons depicting him in the ring.

The collection includes a painting called “Sting Like Bee” or “Sting Like a Bee” painted by Muhammad Ali in 1978 during the filming of the historical mini-series “Freedom Road” (Freedom Road), which he starred in, according to Bonhams Auctions. It is expected to fetch between $40,000 and $60,000 when it is put up for sale on October 5.

Muhammad Ali's paintings are up for auction
Muhammad Ali, Sting Like a Bee (1978). Courtesy of Bonhams New York, collection of Rodney Hilton Brown.

Other works include “America: The Great Prison” from 1967 and “War in America”, valued at between $25,000 and $35,00

Bonhams stated that Ali’s passion for drawing was not well known, but he loved drawing as a way to relax after matches or training.

“A lot of people are excited that no one knew Muhammad Ali was an artist, and no one knew anything about this treasure trove of art. So we’re seeing a lot of interest and enthusiasm,” said Helen Hall, director of popular culture at Bonhams Auctions.

The former world heavyweight champion, who announced his conversion to Islam in 1964 at the height of his career, died in 2016 at the age of 74 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s disease).

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