Description:Created in January 17 – 20, 1953, this color etching and aquatint is after an original oil on paper by Pablo Picasso, published by Lacourière, Paris. Hand signed by Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) in the lower right margin, this work has been printed on Rives wove watermarked paper. This is considered a 2nd State Lacourière impression and numbered 66/150 in pencil in the lower left margin.
Beautifully shaded and captivating in nature, this work by Pablo Picasso echoes techniques of cubism, while melding realistic detail with trompe l’oeil effects. Our goat’s skull is intriguing and mysterious, its highlighting created in white to illuminate its eye, parts of its jaw, and menacing horns. The elaborate background shading acts as a cushiony, dark bed of light as the skull props itself against the surface of the table. The angles, drop shadows, and dramatic lighting compels the desire to walk around the object, to relish in every dimension and angle the viewer can admire the piece.
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. Baer, B. (1988). Picasso, Peintre-Graveur Tome IV Catalogue Raisonné de l’œuvre grave et des monotypes. Editions Kornfeld: Berne. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 903 on pg. 203 (Lacourière State II).
2. Bloch, G. (1984). Pablo Picasso, Tome I Catalogue de l’œuvre grave et lithographié 1904 – 1967. Editions Kornfeld et Cie: Berne. Similar piece listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 696 on pg. 159.
3. Cramer, P., et. al. (1983). Pablo Picasso, The Illustrated Books: Catalogue Raisonné. Patrick Cramer, Publisher: Geneva. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 29 on pgs. 86-7.
About the Framing:
Conservation framed with archival materials, this work is set in a beautifully carved, Spanish-inspired gold and black frame. The immense texture of this work is highlighted with the simple organic and curved elements within the moulding. Contrasting hues of the etched work against the gold moulding enhance and accentuate the rich tones within this piece. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.
