Two independent entities, a painter and his beautiful model, merge seamlessly and gracefully together in this abstract figurative work. Outlined in thick, red lines, these two figures stand out against the shiny gold background. This work, monumental in size, instantly commands the attention of the viewer. Its glossy finish adds an element of natural lighting to the piece, further drawing the viewer in.

Perfectly exemplifying Picasso's ability to abstract the human form, this work leaves the viewer questioning the components of the two central figures. While the viewer can gather that the painter, depicted in profile, holds a brush to a canvas with a sleeping nude behind him, the figures' limbs and faces appear elegantly distorted. The painter's hand cuts diagonally between the models breasts, while the model's large feet stick out from behind the painter, whose elongated face features a large nose and eye with a small mouth and vibrant blue hair. The entire work, though abstracted, relays a sense of balance and harmony, displaying Picasso's immense skill as an artist.

Created in 1970, this original color offset lithograph is hand signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881- Mougins, 1973) in red crayon in the upper right and numbered 27/100 (from the edition of 100) in red crayon in the upper right; also annotated '17.7.70 I' in black in the stone in the upper right.

Documentation:

1. Czwiklitzer, Christoph von. Pablo Picasso Plakate 1923-1973. Munchen: Deutscher TAschenbuch Verlag, 1981. Listed as catalogue no. 357.

About the Framing:

Museum grade conservation framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.