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Attraction size iconic cover art for
David Bowie’s 1973 album, Aladdin Sane, frequently referred to as the "Mona Lisa of Pop".
Artwork & Design
Photographer: The portrait was captured by Brian Duffy in January 1973 at his North London studio.
The Lightning Bolt: The legendary red-and-blue "flash" was drawn on Bowie's face by Duffy using lipstick, then filled in by makeup artist Pierre La Roche. Bowie's brief for the design was inspired by the "Taking Care of Business" logo used by Elvis Presley.
The Teardrop: The liquid droplet on Bowie's collarbone was an addition by airbrush artist Philip Castle. While often interpreted as a teardrop, Duffy also considered it a potential jewelry merchandising opportunity.
Meaning & Legacy
Symbolism: The lightning bolt represents the "split down the middle" personality of the Aladdin Sane character—a pun on "A Lad Insane"—reflecting Bowie's conflicted feelings about his newfound stardom and American tour.
Auction History: In November 2025, the original dye transfer print of this artwork set a world record for the most expensive album cover art ever sold, fetching £381,400 (approx. $497,000) at auction.
Cultural Impact: Despite its fame, Bowie only wore the lightning bolt makeup on his face for this single photoshoot session. |
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