A striking portrait of motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss by the greatest Formula One artist in the world is set for auction – and motor sport fans will be racing to bid.
The vibrant artwork depicting British F1 star Moss is by Paul Oz, a celebrated artist renowned for capturing the spirit and character of sports personalities, particularly in motor sport.
His sought-after work rarely comes on the open market, according to Hansons Auctioneers. It is offering the oil painting, which measures a mighty 112cm x 99cm, in the firm’s May 17 Sports Memorabilia sale, estimate £12,000-£15,000.
David Wilson-Turner, Head of Sport at Hansons, said: “This big, bold, powerful painting of Moss stops you in your tracks. As well as being a phenomenal painting in its own right, it has been signed by Stirling Moss as well as the artist – two legends in the world of F1. In 2012 Oz asked Moss to sign the canvas to enhance its value. He kindly obliged, replicating its modern style.
“Oz is regarded as the best F1 artist in the world. He paints distinctly different portraits using lots of paint to create rich, deep textures. His work has huge visual impact and a 3D effect.
“Many motor racing enthusiasts would love to own it. Its an investment piece. Such is its calibre it deserves to be on public view.”
The painting currently belongs to 54-year-old motor sports fan Mark King. He has owned it for 11 years but he’s now decided the time has come to let someone else enjoy it.
Mark, who originates from Aldeburgh, Suffolk, but is currently based in Australia, said: “I bought the painting because I’m a motor sport nut and I love my cars. I’m also a big fan of Stirling Moss. He was extraordinarily brave, with massive talent but sadly the stars never quite aligned for him. Consequently never winning the F1 World Championship he so deserved!
“For me, this portrait is special and it should remind the world of his talent. I have had it hanging up in my house and even in my garage with my cars. But it deserves to be seen. I would love it to be bought by an organisation such as the British Automobile Racing Club or a sports museum, failing that, a keen collector who appreciates F1 as much as I do.
“The painting is amazing to look at. Close up you can see the paint textures and experience the 3D effect. Further away it looks like a photograph. Paul Oz is an exceptional talent admired by many. People like British F1 champion Jenson Button and presenter Jake Humphrey follow him on social media.”
In the space of a decade Oz has risen to become one of Britain’s most collected artists and counts celebrities among his fans, according to Hansons. His collector base spans the globe and includes the likes of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and business guru Theo Paphitis.
Oz is best known for travelling the world live painting with F1. He has painted for Scuderia Ferrari VIPs in Monaco, Mercedes AMG Petronas in Barcelona, and Jenson Button, including a live painting for McLaren in Abu Dhabi at his final race to commemorate his career. Paul has also created work for Lewis Hamilton, Sir Jackie Stewart, Pirelli, and the families of Ayrton Senna and James Hunt.
Other notable commissions include Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday and Star Trek’s 50th anniversary. He’s also done work for Chelsea FC to commemorate their 2017 title success and Lamborghini.
London-born Sir Stirling Moss OBE (1929-2020) won 212 of the 529 races he entered across different motor sports. He has been described as ‘the greatest driver never to win the F1 World Championship’. In a seven-year span between 1955 and 1961 he finished in second place four times and in third place three times.
The painting, in perfect condition and original frame, as prepared by Oz when purchased directly from him, will be sold with its original purchase invoice and a sealed copy of Motor Sport Magazine which featured the painting in its October 2011 edition.
To find out more, email David Wilson-Turner: [email protected].
