Rare Michael Jackson signed drawings to be auctioned

A rare collection of signed Michael Jackson drawings will be auctioned on August 3. The 78 sketches done in 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 David, a number of US presidents, Peter Pan, the pop icon art Andy Warhol, Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II.

“Get ready to own some of the most coveted artwork from one of the biggest music icons in the world,” says a description by Kings Auctions. “These unique works of art are not just an investment, they are your chance to own a piece of music history.”

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

The unique auction will feature one large lot, Lot #1, which requires a starting bid of $1 million for the entire collection. If a bidder meets this price, then the auction will end immediately. otherwise each piece will be sold separately.

Considered 'The Museum Collection' because of their rarity, these Jackson artworks are as intimate as you can get. His inspirations are clearly conveyed in each track, each unique and reflecting the various moments in the artists' lives,” said Kings, describing the works created by the singer who died in 2009 aged 50. “The featured piece will likely be the Martin Luther King sketch which is a generous 36″ x 48″ in size. Of course, it deserves museum status. Other designs include portraits of presidents and celebrities, himself, as well as Disney characters, abstracts, and more.”

Describing Jackson's lifelong obsession with sketching, Kings said: “Jackson's love of drawing began at an early age. When he grew up, he sought guidance from world-renowned artists to hone his talent resulting in these rare works of art. Although he was 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 that Jackson sketched of shoes, doors, chairs, keys, biplanes, the gates of his Neverland Ranch, and flowers. The auction will be co-organized by Sunset for saleBre Tiesi and an unknown special surprise host.