Description:Considered by Luis Carlos Rodrigo as a “masterpiece,” Toros en Vallauris, 1954 was to be one of his first linocuts in which Picasso perfected and reined his printmaking techniques and aesthetic.
Created in 1954, this linocut was printed out of the edition of 100 signed in red pencil in the lower right by the artist. This is classified by Rodrigo as an original poster published by the Vallauris Potter’s Association and printed by Imprimerie Arnera, Vallauris.
This stunning linocut portrays a lively arena with an eager and excited audience watching the action in the center. Here, we see a majestic picador atop his horse and both with the matador, try to tame and control the bull. According to Rodrigo:
“Picasso portrays in black and white (sun and shade) a bullring packed with an excited crowd witnessing the picador’s performance during the bullfight. Amongst the aficionados is Jacqueline Roque, the lover who was to become his wife in 1961, wearing a back comb and ornamental shawl in the Spanish style. She is looking askance at two spectators not appearing on the poster, you the viewer, and Picasso, also important protagonists, with a mischievous smile” (1645).
The surface quality of the linocut is exquisite, as the black has retained subtle a glossy sheen and is highlighted slightly as light reflects off the print and plays with the bold strokes of white which composes the Vallauris scene - surely a fine addition to any Picasso collection.
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, Brigitte, Picasso Peintre-Graveur, Tome IV, 1986, listed as cat no 1027 on pg 366.
2. Bloch, Georges, Pablo Picasso, Tome I, Catalogue de l’oeuvre grave et lithographié, 1904-1967, 1984, listed and illustrated as cat no 1264 on pgs 271-2.
3. Czwiklitzer, Christopher, Picasso’s Posters, 1971, listed as cat no 13 with details on pg 365.
4. Foster, Joseph K., The Posters of Picasso, 1964, listed as plate 23.
5. Mourlot, Fernand, Art in Posters, 1959, listed as cat no 71 with details on pg 245.
6. Rodrigo, Luis Carlos, Picasso in His Posters, Vol I, 1992, listed as cat no 028 on pg. 84.
7. Rodrigo, Luis Carlos, Picasso in His Posters, Vol III, 1992, listed as cat no 028 on pg 1,645.
About the Framing:
Conservation framed with archival materials and museum quality, this work is set in a robust Spanish style frame with black and gold moulding. The tone of the framing compliments the contrasting colors in this piece. The undulating ribbon detail of the moulding accentuates the carved linear quality of this work. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover.
