Description:This exquisite linoleum cut evokes the magic of a Bacchanal-inspired dance which is taking place in twilight. Still as lively as ever, Picasso has been able to translate the excitement and energy of a party on a warm summer evening. An inquisitive owl can be seen perched on a branch and is portrayed in the most simplistic, tear-drop form. Musical instruments are played by dancing partygoers, accompanied by a joyous goat who accompanies the scene in the lower left. Our Danse nocturne is set in a vast landscape which extends in a mass of rolling hills that can be seen along the horizon.
Created in 1960, this original color linocut has been pulled in chocolate brown, black, and tan and hand signed by Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin. Published by Galerie Louis Leiris and printed by Arnéra; an artist's proof from the 2nd state (B) impression out of the total edition of 50.
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. (1989). Picasso Peintre-Graveur, Tome V: Catalogue Raisonné de l'œuvre grave et des monotypes, 1959 - 1965. Editions Kornfeld: Berne. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1256 (State II, B) on pg. 320.
2. Bloch, G. (1984). Pablo Picasso, Tome I: Catalogue de l'œuvre grave et lithographié, 1904 - 1967. Editions Kornfeld et Cie: Berne. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 936 on pg. 203.
3. Los Angeles County Museum of Art. (1966). Picasso: Sixty Years of Graphic Works. New York Graphic Society: Greenwich. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 348 on pg. 137.
4. Picasso Linoleum Cuts: The Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kramer Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Lieberman, W. S. (Intr.). Random House: New York. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 42 on pg. 49.
ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Conservation framed with museum quality, archival materials, this work is set in a monumental Baroque frame with gold and bronze sculpted moulding. The varying tones and hues of the frame complement the strong contrast in this work while the undulating geometric details of the moulding accent the organic shapes within the image. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.
