Pablo Picasso, Les vendangeurs (The Grape Harvesters), 1959

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Les vendangeurs (The Grape Harvesters), 1959
Reference:Bloch 937; Baer 1241
Medium:Color Linocut on Arches Wove Paper
Image Size:25 1/8 in x 20 3/4 in (63.8 cm x 52.7 cm)
Sheet Size:29 1/2 x 22 1/2 in (74. 9 cm x 57.1 cm)
Framed Size:43 1/4 in x 39 3/8 in (109.9 cm x 100 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 50 in pencil in the lower left margin (there were also 20 artist's proofs).
Signature:This work is hand-signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881- Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-5337

Historical Description

From the 1950s onwards, Picasso began working intensively with the technique of linocut. The technique allowed him to combine his incredible drawing skills with the use of rich colors. Les vendangeurs (The Grape Harvesters), 1959 is a beautiful emblem of this fertile creative period for Picasso. Earthy shades of ochre, brown and black dominate the scene alongside gently curved lines. The scene depicts two figures at a picnic, with the female figure on the left coquettishly eating the grapes.  The title suggests these figures had hand-picked the grapes in the basket and are now enjoying the literal fruits of their labor. The textures and colors of this linocut thereby transform an ordinary experience into a beautiful and sumptuous scene for all to admire.

Created in 1959, this color linocut is printed on Arches wove paper. Hand-signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881- Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin, this work is numbered from the edition of 50 in pencil in the lower left margin; aside from the numbered edition of 20 artist’s proofs.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso The Grape Harvesters (Les vendangeurs), 1959 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 V. Galerie Kornfeld: Switzerland, 1989. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1241
2. Bloch, Georges. Picasso Catalogue de l'ouvre gravé et lithographié, Volume I. Kornfeld et Cie: Switzerland, 1968. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 937.
3. McVinney, L. Donald, et al Picasso Linoleum Cuts: The Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kramer Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: Random House, 1985. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no.33.
4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Pablo Picasso The Grape Harvesters (Les vendangeurs), 1959 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.