A stroke of unbelievable luck changed the life of a Parisian engineer in an instant.
For just €100, Ari Hodara became the owner of a rare artwork worth over €1 million — a stunning piece by Pablo Picasso titled “Femme au béret” (“Portrait of a Woman”), painted in 1941.
The 58-year-old had purchased his ticket only days before the draw, never imagining what was about to happen.
The results were announced live at Christie’s auction house — and when the call came in, Hodara couldn’t believe it.
“How can I be sure this isn’t a scam?”
That was his very first reaction.
💡 A Lottery With a Purpose
This wasn’t just luck — it was part of a massive charity initiative.
- Around 120,000 tickets were sold
- Each ticket cost €100
- A total of €12 million was raised
All proceeds will go toward research on Alzheimer’s disease.
The Masterpiece Behind the Miracle
The painting itself carries deep artistic value.
It is believed to depict Dora Maar, one of Picasso’s most famous muses. Created during World War II, the piece reflects his darker, more introspective “war period,” with signature gray-blue tones.
The project was organized by French journalist Perrine Kouchner, with support from Picasso’s family and foundation.
Interestingly, similar lotteries were held in 2013 and 2020 — each time sparking global excitement.