David Bowie's 'Aladdin Sane' sets world record for album art at auction
It surpasses the figure achieved by 'Led Zeppelin I'
Last updated 6th Nov 2025
The iconic artwork for David Bowie’s 1973 record ‘Aladdin Sane’ has become the most expensive album artwork ever sold at auction.
Late-great photographer Brian Duffy’s original dye transfer print artwork for ‘Aladdin Sane’ was the star lot of ‘The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive’ auction at Bonhams on Wednesday (5th November).
Estimated to fetch between £250,000 and £300,000, the legendary image sold for a whopping £381,400 under then hammer in London.
The huge figure achieved by ‘Aladdin Sane’ dwarfs the previous album art record of £240,000 set by Led Zeppelin’s debut self-titled album at Christie’s five years ago.
Duffy's son, Chris Duffy, Founder and Managing Director of the Duffy Archive, commented: "Duffy would be honoured to know that 15 years after his passing that the 'Mona Lisa of Pop' has achieved a world record and cemented its position as a cultural icon."
Claire Tole-Moir, Head of Bonhams' Popular Culture Department, added: "The cover of David Bowie's Aladdin Sane is a truly iconic image by Duffy.
“It represents a landmark album by Bowie and a pivotal moment in Pop Culture history. We are delighted that its significance has been recognised today with a new world record price achieved at Bonhams."
Highlights of The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive auction at Bonhams:
The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive
The Original Dye Transfer Print Artwork for David Bowie's 'Aladdin Sane (Eyes Closed)' Album Cover, 1973.
Sold for £381,400 (Estimate: £250,000 to £300,000)
The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive
Duffy's stool used by David Bowie for the 'Aladdin Sane' shoot in 1973.
Sold for £2,816 (Estimate: £500 to £700)
The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive
The Original Dye Transfer Print Artwork for the INSIDE COVER of David Bowie's Aladdin Sane album.
Sold for TBA (Estimate: £150,000 - £200,000)
The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive
The Hasselblad 500C camera used by Duffy to photograph the 'Aladdin Sane' and 'Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)' album artworks.
Sold for TBA (Estimate: £10,000 to £15,000)
The Mona Lisa of Pop: The Duffy Archive
Five original vintage prints from the Scary Monsters shoot with David Bowie as 'Pierrot', the sad clown, 1980.
Sold for £9,600 (Estimate: £8,000 to £10,000)
Duffy took the photos for the ‘Aladdin Sane’ cover at his North London studio in January 1973, three months before Bowie released his sixth studio album.