Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Portrait de Jacqueline (1959)

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Portrait de Jacqueline, 1959 Linocut in colors on Arches paper 29-5/8 x 24-1/2 inches (75.2 x 62.2 cm) (sheet) Ed. 49/50 Signed and editioned in pencil along lower edge Published by Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris LITERATURE: Bloch, 923. Like his earlier collaborative relationships with master printers Lacourière and Mourlot, Picasso's foray into the medium of linocut was partially stimulated by a new love interest, Jacqueline Roque. Picasso's relationship with Jacqueline was complicated; they met in the early 1950s after the death of Picasso's first wife, Olga, and after a string of affairs with women many years Picasso's junior. Despite Picasso’s tumultuous past, Jacqueline would become his confidant, caregiver, wife, and a continual subject in his portraiture. During the early stages of his relationship with Jacqueline, Picasso would also meet Hidalgo Arnéra, a master printmaker who introduced Picasso to the linocut process. Linoleum is a smooth and supple material, making it an easy medium to carve and print on; it can also accommodate text, making it ideal for poster design. Following Arnéra's direction, Picasso created a series of linocut posters advertising local art exhibitions and bullfights and then began utilizing linoleum to produce works of fine art. It was not long before Jacqueline's portrait appeared on Picasso's linoleum blocks. Picasso's portrayal of Jacqueline is not as passionate or sexual as his previous lovers. Fully clothed, with sad eyes and a closed posture, Jacquline often appears more like a maternal figure. Picasso produced over 400 variations of Jacqueline, cementing her significance in his life despite the relationship’s different appearance to that of his previous wife and lovers. HID09710052018 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Condition Report: A stunning portrait of Jacqueline, Picasso's second wife. Moderate toning to sheet with mat burn. A few mild scattered marks in recto margins, do not appear to impact image. A thin layer of chalk like dust throughout verso of sheet. Hinged along upper edge, matted, and framed under acrylic. Framed dimensions 33-1/4 x 28-3/4 inches. No tears or losses observed.