On May 14, 2025, Marlene Dumas's 1997 painting Miss January sold for $13.6 million at Christie's 21st Century Evening Sale in New York, setting a new auction record for a living female artist. The previous record was held by Jenny Saville's Propped (1992), which sold for $12.4 million at Sotheby's London in 2018.

Miss January, a nearly 10-foot-tall oil painting, depicts a blonde woman nude from the waist down, wearing a single pink sock. The work is noted for its psychological intensity and commentary on the portrayal of the female form in art history. Sara Friedlander, Christie's Deputy Chairman of Post-War and Contemporary Art, described it as Dumas's "magnum opus," highlighting its role in challenging traditional representations of the female nude.

The painting was consigned by the Rubell Family Collection, prominent Miami-based collectors known for their support of emerging artists. They acquired the piece from Galerie Paul Andriesse in Amsterdam over two decades ago. The sale reflects their ongoing commitment to nurturing new talent in the contemporary art scene.

Dumas, born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1953, and based in the Netherlands, is renowned for her emotionally charged portraits that often explore themes of sexuality, race, and identity. Her work is included in major museum collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

The record-setting sale of Miss January underscores the growing recognition and market value of female artists in the contemporary art world. It also highlights the increasing demand for works that challenge conventional narratives and offer fresh perspectives on enduring themes.