Description:A reclining Zeus figure watches peacefully as a woman stands before him in an alluring, statuesque position with her back facing the audience. Another model is sprawled behind the central figure, wearing a mask while timidly involving herself within the composition.
Created in 1933, this original etching is from the edition of 260 (the total edition was 316) . Baer states that less than half of all impressions were hand-signed by Picasso. This work is printed on Montval paper with the Vollard watermark and printed by Atelier Lacourière, Paris in 1939
Executed in precisely etched lines, this work exemplifies Picasso’s duel mastery of the print medium and his ability to convey symbolism and narrative. Reflective of Picasso’s earlier style, this piece combines a graceful elegance with a modern cubist sensibility. Its sleek, etched lines and curves mimic that of Picasso’s hand, revealing a unique sensibility that can only be found in his works within the Vollard Suite. While none of the figures have been distorted, Picasso does experiment with highly complex figural positioning, most poignantly evident in the triangular layout of the three central characters of this myth-inspired scene. The contour lines are sharp and crisp, further emphasizing the formal aspect of this work. This is a wonderfully deep impression with strong plate mark—a remarkable work in good condition.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work) :
1) Gili, Gustavo, ed. Pablo Picasso Suite Vollard, Editorial Gustavo Gili, S.A.: Barcelona, 1956. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 52 on pg. 52.
2) Geiser, Bernhard and Brigitte Baer. Picasso Peintre-Graveur Tome II Catalogue Raisonné de l’œuvre grave et des monotypes 1932 - 1934, Edition Kornfeld: Berne, 1992. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 314(b) on pg. 133.
3) Bolliger, Hans, intro. Picasso’s Vollard Suite, Harry Abrams Publishers: New York, 1977. Listed and illustrated as plate no. 52.
4) Instituto de Credito Oficial Collection. Picasso Vollard Suite, Spadem: Madrid, 1993. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 28.
5) Geiser, Bernhard with Alfred Scheidegger. Picasso Peintre-Graveur, Tome II Catalogue Raisonné de l’œuvre gravé et des monotypes 1932-1934, Kornfeld et Klipstein: Berne, 1968. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 314 on pg. 78.
6) Bloch, Georges. Pablo Picasso, Tome I Catalogue de l’oeuvre grave et lithographie 1904-1067, Edition Kornfeld: Berne, 1984. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 161 on pg. 61.
About the Framing:
Archival mounting in a delightfully layered gold leaf frame, the sculptural, scalloped details in this moulding harkens the stately and refined Art Nouveau style. The curvilinear forms within the moulding echo Picasso’s etching and provide the perfect compliment. All materials are to museum quality standard and completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet; this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.
