Paris, April 14, 2026
A 58-year-old Parisian engineer won an original Pablo Picasso painting worth over €1 million after purchasing a €100 ticket in a charity raffle organized to fund Alzheimer’s research.
The Winning Ticket and the Prize
Ari Hodora, the lucky winner, secured the 1941 Picasso artwork titled *Frauenkopf* (Head of a Woman) in a draw held on Tuesday. The raffle, hosted on the website www.1picasso100euros.com, sold 120,000 tickets at €100 each, raising €12 million for the cause. Hodora, who bought his ticket over the weekend, described the win as an unexpected stroke of luck during a phone interview.
The painting, a significant piece from Picasso’s wartime period, is one of several artworks the organizers have raffled off for charity in recent years. The event was orchestrated by French television presenter Péri Cochin and auction house Christie’s, which has a history of facilitating such high-profile charitable initiatives.
A History of Charitable Art Raffles
This marks the third time Cochin and her team have raffled a Picasso masterpiece for charity. In 2013, a 25-year-old woman from Pennsylvania won a similar draw, while in 2020, an Italian woman received her winning ticket as a Christmas gift from her son.
"Der Erlös der Veranstaltung, die das Auktionshaus Christie's organisiert hat, soll der Alzheimer-Forschung zugutekommen," the organizers stated, confirming that all proceeds from the raffle would go toward Alzheimer’s research. The recurring event has become a notable fundraiser, combining art appreciation with philanthropy.
The 2026 edition’s success underscores the public’s enthusiasm for both Picasso’s legacy and supporting medical research. With each ticket priced affordably at €100, the raffle democratized the chance to own a priceless artwork while contributing to a critical cause.
The Winner’s Reaction and Next Steps
Hodora, still processing his windfall, has not yet disclosed whether he plans to keep the painting or sell it. The artwork’s value, estimated at over €1 million, makes it a life-changing prize. Christie’s, which authenticated and facilitated the raffle, will assist with the transfer of ownership and any logistical arrangements.
The event’s organizers highlighted the dual impact of the initiative: advancing Alzheimer’s research while bringing fine art into the hands of everyday individuals. As the latest winner celebrates his good fortune, the raffle’s legacy continues to grow, promising future opportunities for both art lovers and charitable donors.