Angelina Jolie has decided to auction a unique piece of history: a painting by Winston Churchill, which has been part of the Jolie family collection. Set to go under the hammer on March 1, the painting, titled Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque, is expected to fetch between $2 million and $3.4 million at Christie’s auction house. This artwork is particularly remarkable, not only for its artistic value but also for its intriguing historical background.
The painting, created by Churchill in 1943, was completed after he attended a conference of world leaders in Marrakech, Morocco. What makes this piece even more significant is that it is Churchill’s only known painting from the World War II era, though it’s possible there could be others that have not come to light.
According to Nick Orchard, head of Modern British Art at Christie’s, Churchill’s choice to paint this scene may have been inspired by the progress the Allies were making during the war, as well as his admiration for Morocco, a country he described as one of the most beautiful he had ever encountered.
Churchill began painting during a family holiday at a time when his political career was experiencing a downturn. He initially used watercolors but soon preferred oils, under the pseudonym Charles Morin. Painting became a form of therapy for Churchill, with his artworks offering a meditative escape. He often painted the same subjects repeatedly, including scenes of Marrakech and the goldfish pond at his family home, Chartwell.
Before the war, Churchill created several paintings during his visits to Morocco, but his art production stopped between 1939 and 1945 due to the global conflict. This makes Tower of the Koutoubia Mosque all the more extraordinary, not only as a painting but as a gift. Upon completing the piece, Churchill presented it to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, further cementing the bond between the two leaders and their countries during a pivotal time in history.
The painting’s ownership history is also notable. Before Angelina Jolie acquired it, the work was owned by Elliot Roosevelt, the son of President Roosevelt. Jolie purchased the painting in 2011 from M.S. Rau in New Orleans, during her relationship with then-partner Brad Pitt. The couple, known for their shared interest in fine art, amassed several pieces during their time together. While Jolie also collects art, Pitt’s personal collection is reported to be valued at around $18 million, featuring works by artists like Schoony, Neo Rauch, and Banksy.
