Description:Created in 1963, this original color linoleum cut is hand signed by Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin and numbered 37/50 in pencil in the lower left margin. From the Edition Galerie Louis Leiris, Paris out of 50 signed and numbered proofs on Vélin d’Arches watermarked paper (aside from 20 artist’s proofs).
This large-scale, colorful linocut is one of Picasso’s most fascinating still life portraits. Central to the work, we see a bright sun on the horizon; in the foreground, we see a wonderful spread of snacks and utensils, evoking a typical Mediterranean siesta. The composition is anchored by the large wine bottle which occupies the left border, taking precedence in the fruitful cultures of Spain and France. A combination of four colors - black, grey, white, and brown - blend nicely to create an earthy and bold landscape that has been abstracted and artfully designed in Picasso’s iconic cubist style.
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 1959 – 1965. Editions Kornfeld: Berne. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1315 on pgs. 451.
2. The Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kramer Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. (1985). Picasso Linoleum Cuts. Random House: New York. Listed and illustrated as plate 94 on pg. 91.
3. Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Picasso – Sixty Years of Graphic Works. New York Graphic Society: Greenwich. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 398 on pg. 152.
4. Bloch, G. (1984). Pablo Picasso Tome 1: Catalogue de l’œuvre grave et lithographié 1904 – 1967. Editions Kornfeld et Cie: Berne. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1100 on pg. 231.
About the Framing:
Conservation framed with acid free, archival materials, this work is set in a robust Spanish style frame with black and gold moulding. The tone of the framing complements 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.
