Pablo Picasso, Carnaval (Carnival), 1958

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Carnaval (Carnival), 1958
Medium:Color Lithograph
Image Size:19 in x 14 1/2 in (48.3 cm x 36.8 cm)
Sheet Size:25 1/2 in x 19 3/4 in (64.8 cm x 50.2 cm)
Framed Size:40 in x 35 1/2 in (101.6 cm x 90.2 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 300 in pencil on the lower left.
Signature:This work is hand signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 - Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition, the colors are bright and fresh.
ID #w-4566

Historical Description

Pablo Picasso Carnaval (Carnival), 1958; Facing us at a three-quarter view, the figure in this work gives a wide-eyed expression with a slight grin, as though inviting the viewer to experience the joy of his surroundings. A playful red and black jester's hat sits at the top of his head, with vivid yellow bells balancing on the tips of the protruding hat. Holding a scepter with a humorous clown face at the top, the expression on his round head reveals a mischievous grin that masks an innate seriousness. In this sense, Picasso seems to be deconstructing the personality of this playful court jester who masks a sullen and serious interior. In developing a complex personality, Picasso creates a truly multidimensional portrait that exposes the inner humanity of the sitter, while simultaneously creating a jovial and entertaining work for us as viewers.

Created in 1958 after the original gouache of the same title, this color lithograph was printed in Paris, by Mourlot and published by Yamat Arts. Hand-signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 - Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right, this work is numbered from the edition of 300 in the lower left. Additionally signed in the plate with the date '26.1.58' in the lower center of the work.

Catalogue Raisonné and COA:

Pablo Picasso Carnaval (Carnival), 1958 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. Alan Wofsy Fine Arts. Picasso's Paintings, Watercolors, Drawings and Scultpure:The Fifties II 1956-1959. 2000. Listed and illustrated as catalogue no. 58-053 on pg. 187.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.

Subject Matter: Femme Portrait Circus