Some 26-piece collection of drawings, sketches and paintings by the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali has sold for nearly $1 million at Bonhams Auction House in New York. One of the most anticipated works, “Sting Like a Bee,” sold for $425,000, more than 10 times its pre-sale estimate. In 1979, a red, white, and blue painting on canvas with the words “I Love You America” sold for $150,000, and in 1967 a felt-tip pen sketch comparing Islam with Christianity sold for $24,000.
Helen Hall, Bonhams Director of Popular Culture, said that Ali was encouraged by his father, a professional artist, and that he has been drawing and painting all his life. “Muhammad Ali was a cultural icon that defined a generation. His artworks depict topics close to his heart, such as boxing, civil rights, religion, world peace and humanity,” Hall said.