Signed (upper right)

Image Dimensions: 13 3/4 x 10 5/8 in (35 x 27 cm)
Framed Dimensions: 15 3/4 x 18 7/8 in (40 x 48 cm)

This painting comes with COA.

"Mousquetaire, buste" (1967) is a vibrant and expressive work by Pablo Picasso, created in his later years when he continued to explore themes of masculinity and nobility through the lens of his unique artistic style. This drawing features a bust of a musketeer, a subject that Picasso returned to several times in the 1960s, capturing the essence of the character with bold, exaggerated lines and a striking use of color.

The composition is centered around the musketeer's face, with features that are both simplified and distorted, characteristic of Picasso's late-period style. The use of bright colored wax crayons adds an immediacy to the drawing, giving it a playful and energetic quality. Picasso's trademark bold lines and flattened forms give the musketeer a timeless quality, while the figure's exaggerated nose and eyes evoke a sense of strength and determination. The musketeer's face is adorned with intricate details, including a mustache and elaborate hat, adding to the overall sense of character and individuality.

The use of India ink in combination with the colored wax crayons creates a dynamic contrast, with the sharp, dark lines of the ink defining the structure of the face and the softer, more fluid colors of the crayons adding depth and emotion. The combination of these materials reflects Picasso's continued experimentation with different techniques and his ability to create a compelling image with minimalistic yet expressive means.

"Mousquetaire, buste" is part of Picasso's ongoing exploration of historical and mythological figures, a theme he revisited throughout his career. The musketeer, with its connotations of nobility, adventure, and masculinity, allowed Picasso to create a figure that was both iconic and personal. This work is an embodiment of Picasso's later period, where he blended his deep knowledge of art history with his ongoing desire to push the boundaries of representation.

In the art market, Picasso's works from the 1960s are highly sought after, and "Mousquetaire, buste" stands as a prime example of his late period. The piece's expressive energy, combined with its powerful use of line and color, makes it a significant work in Picasso's oeuvre.