Pablo Picasso, Crâne de Chèvre Sur la Table (Goat’s Skull on the Table), 1953

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Crâne de Chèvre Sur la Table (Goat’s Skull on the Table), 1953
Reference:Baer 903
Medium:Etching and Aquatint in colors on Rives BFK paper
Image Size:19 7/8 in x 25 5/8 in (50.5 cm x 65.1 cm)
Sheet Size:22 in x 30 in (55.9. cm x 76.2 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 150 in pencil in the lower left margin.
Signature:This work is hand signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 - Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin.
Condition:A bold impression with a distinct plate mark; in very good condition with rich colors
ID #w-7958

Historical Description

Beautifully shaded and captivating in nature, Pablo Picasso Goat's Skull on the Table (Crâne de Chèvre Sur la Table), 1953 echoes techniques of cubism, while melding realistic detail with trompe l'oeil effects. The goat's skull is intriguing and mysterious, with highlights in white to illuminate its eye, parts of its jaw, and menacing horns. The elaborate background shading acts as a cushion of dark light as the skull props itself against the surface of the table. The angles, drop shadows, and dramatic lighting compel us to relish in every dimension and angle of this work.

Created in January 17 - 20, 1953, this color etching and aquatint is after an original oil on canvas. Published by Lacourière, Paris, this work is hand signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 - Mougins, 1973) in the lower right margin. Considered a 1st State Lacourière impression due its printing on Arches paper, this work is numbered from the edition of 150 in pencil in the lower left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso Goat's Skull on the Table (Crâne de Chèvre Sur la Table), 1953 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 IV Catalogue Raisonné de l'œuvre grave et des monotypes. Editions Kornfeld: Berne, 1988. Listed as catalogue raisonné no. 903 on pg. 203 as Lacourière State I. Lacourière State II is illustrated.
2. Bloch, Georges. Pablo Picasso, Tome I Catalogue de l'œuvre grave et lithographié 1904 - 1967. Editions Kornfeld et Cie: Berne, 1984. Another state is listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 696 on pg. 159.
3. Comune di Arona, Assessorato per la Cultura. Picasso ad Arona. SIAE: Arona, 2002. Another state is listed and illustrated on pg. 56.
4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Pablo Picasso Goat's Skull on the Table (Crâne de Chèvre Sur la Table), 1953 is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, presented in a complementary moulding and finished with linen-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.

Subject Matter: Still Life Goat