Picasso Vollard et son Chat (Vollard and His Cat), c. 1960 shows Picasso’s mastery of etching. This beautiful cubist work is striking in coloration and composition. The subject, Ambroise Vollard (Saint-Denis, La Réunion, 1866 – Versailles, 1939), is a famous art dealer, publisher, and collector. Vollard met Picasso when the artist was 18 and new to Paris. The dealer later organized Picasso’s very first exhibition in Paris. This was notable because at that time, the Académie des Beaux-Arts dominated the art scene and did not allow many avant-garde artists or dealers to flourish. Picasso subsequently painted two portraits of Vollard. The first was a monochromatic cubist artwork, intended to demonstrate the possibilities of the new abstract style. The latter painting was of Vollard with his cat, painted after Vollard’s death. The original painting of Vollard with his cat is now in a private collection. However, it was also published as a color etching and aquatint, which is presented here.

Vollard is depicted in pastel shades of yellow and lilac-white, placed against a soft aquamarine background. He is seated in a highly geometric chair of black and white. Picasso portrays his subject in his renowned cubist style, placing Vollard in profile with his two eyes confronting the viewer head on. In his arms, Vollard cradles a curious brown striped cat that appears with claws bared and legs upright, as if lying on its back. Vollard’s face is flattened, his brow furrowed. This is a touching tribute to cubism and a great friendship between dealer and artist.

Created circa 1960, this original color etching and aquatint printed on Arches wove paper is hand-signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 - Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin. Inscribed ‘E.A.” (artist proof) in pencil in the lower left margin, aside from the numbered edition of 200.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso Vollard and His Cat (Vollard et Son Chat), c. 1960 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work).

1. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Picasso Vollard and His Cat (Vollard et Son Chat), c.1960 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.