Description:Created in 1959, this original color linoleum cut has been printed from one block in black, brown, and beige. Published by Louise Leiris, Paris and printed by Arnéra, Vallauris on Arches wove paper out of the total edition of 50. Hand signed by Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin.
This richly-colored, whimsical composition comes alive with movement and music through our three subjects: a Mother, a Dancer, and of course, a Musician. The colors are evenly balanced, the dual tones of the chocolate-brown complement each other well, with the black characters on the sides used to anchor the overall piece. Our Mother is seen on the left, swaddling her baby in a seated position while our Dancer is seen at the center and the main attraction of this work. Equipped with a pair of cymbals, the figure is suspended in motion, a pirouette-like pose which accents our Musician on the right who carries a dual-horned instrument creating the music that drives 2our scene.
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. 1254 on pg. 317 (IIIe état B).
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. 929 on pg. 202.
3. The Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kramer Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (1985). Picasso Linoleum Cuts. Random House: New York. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 38 (1979.620.25) on pg. 46.
4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Picasso: Sixty Years of Graphic Works. New York Graphic Society: Greenwich. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 340 on pg. 135.
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.
