Pablo Picasso, Toros Vallauris (The Matador), 1958

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Toros Vallauris (The Matador), 1958
Reference:Baer 1049
Medium:Color Linocut
Image Size:25 2/3 in x 20 7/8 in (65.2 cm x 53 cm)
Sheet Size:31 1/8 in x 24 in (79 cm x 61 cm)
Framed Size:approx. 44 1/2 in x 39 1/4 in (113 cm x 99.7 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 195 in pencil in the lower left margin.
Signature:This work is hand-signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881- Mougins, 1973) in blue crayon in the lower right margin.
Condition:This work is in very good condition.
ID #w-4949

Historical Description

Joseph K. Foster says of this work, “(it) is generally regarded as his finest linoleum gravure…, and suggests his growing preoccupation with this print form.  It is full of bold and intricate design, and covers wide areas of subject matter, with hitherto unmatched skill…Upon looking closely, one observes two aspects of the same face, front and profile, constructed on the same plane.  In the profile the queue and the bun of the torero’s wig are patent, as are his ear, eye, nose, mouth, and chin.  The epaulet of his costume in profile is also plain, above the lettering ‘1958.’  By Picasso’s magic, the same eye, nose, and mouth are now used to complete the structure of the front view, and the epaulet of this construction, in different design, is equally plain.  Thus by a brilliant blending of elements Picasso creates an illusion of movement, a three-dimensional impression on a flat surface.  It is as though the spectator were walking around the figure.  The ever-present humor is again evidenced by putting Vallauris in lights.” (Foster 34)

Created on June 24, 1958, this color linocut is printed by Imprimerie Arnera on Arches Vellum and published by Vallauris Potters Association.  Hand-signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881- Mougins, 1973) in blue crayon in the lower right margin, this work is numbered from 195 in pencil in the lower left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso's Toros Vallauris (The Matador), 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. Baer, Brigitte. Picasso Peintre-Graveur, Tome VI. Galerie Kornfeld: Switzerland, 1989. Listed as plate 1049 on pg. 387.
2. Bloch, Georges. Picasso Catalogue de l'ouvre gravé et lithographié, Volume I. Kornfeld et Cie: Switzerland, 1968. Illustrated and listed as plate 1282 on pp. 274 and 275.
3. Lieberman, William S. Picasso Linoleum Cuts. Random House: New York, 1985. Illustrated and listed as image 133 on pg. 132.
4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Museum grade conservation framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.