Pablo Picasso, Tete (Head), 1963

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Tete (Head), 1963
Reference:Baer 1339 B.a., Bloch 1105
Medium:Color Linocut
Image Size:25 1/4 in x 20 7/8 in (64.1 cm x 53 cm)
Sheet Size:29 5/8 in x 24 1/2 in (75.2 cm x 62.2 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 50 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:This work is in good condition.
ID #w-7493

Historical Description

The first indication that this is indeed a face is the title: Picasso Tete (Head), 1963. At first approach, it appears to be a web of intricate abstract lines, that while complex and pleasing to look at, do not form anything substantial. Then, the eye appears. Its circular pupil is surrounded by two sweeping eyelids and topped by heavily designed eyelashes - three to be exact. The cheekbone appears just below the eye, formed by several lines that meet in a 90 degree angle. Below there is a patch of color on the cheek, formed in a spiral shape. Moving across into the bulk of the decoration, there is a defined mouth, with lips parted. Picasso is a master at creating abstracted human faces that take concentration to understand. The beautiful face portrayed here is delicate and complex, a standard of Picasso's oeuvre.

Created in 1963, this linocut is hand-signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 – Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin. Printed by Arnéra, Vallauris and published by Louis Leiris, Paris, this work is numbered from the edition of 50 in pencil in the lower left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso Head (Tete), 1963 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 1959-1965. Berne: Editions Kornfeld, 1989. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1339 B.a.
2. Bloch, Georges. Picasso: Tome I, Catalogue de l'oeuvre gravé et lithographié 1904-1967. Berne: Editions Kornfeld et Cie, 1984. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonne no.  1105.
3. Lieberman, William S. and Donald L. McVinney. Picasso Linoleum Cuts. New York: Random House, 1985. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 102.
4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Framed to archival museum grade conservation standards, Pablo Picasso Head (Tete), 1963 is presented in a complementary moulding with silk-wrapped mats and optical-grade Plexiglas.