(Spanish, 1881-1973) Etching And Drypoint with Aquatint on Montval Laid Paper with the

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) Etching And Drypoint with Aquatint on Montval Laid Paper with the Galatea And Picasso Watermarks, 1934, 'Minotaure Aveugle Guidé Par Une Fillette Dans La Nuit, from La Suite Vollard'

Signed in pencil lower right, a fine impression printing with velvety blacks, from the edition of 260 (there was also an edition of 50 with wide margins), bearing the Galatea and Picasso watermarks, published by Ambroise Vollard, Paris, 1939, with full margins (deckle edges on all four sides). Sheet Size H 13.375 inches W 17.5 inches.

Provenance:
London Grafica Arts Incorporated, Detroit, Michigan (paper label affixed verso); Acquired from above by a Prominent Prints & Multiples Collector, Southfield, Michigan

Literature:
Bloch 225; Baer 437

Lot Essay:
Blind Minotaur Led by a Little Girl in the Night is a standout example of Picasso's mastery of printmaking, showcasing his use of burnished aquatint to create a dreamlike, luminous effect. Working from dark to light, Picasso scraped and burnished a prepared aquatint plate to produce glowing highlights and strong contrasts, setting the figures dramatically against a starry night sky. The result is a haunting, magical image that ranks among the masterpieces of the Suite Vollard and Picasso’s graphic work. The Minotaur became one of Picasso's most memorable alter-egos, symbolizing his inner turmoil and emotional conflict. Though it first appeared in a 1928 drawing, Picasso began to focus on the creature in 1933 through the Suite Vollard etchings. During this time, he was entangled in an affair with Marie-Thérèse Walter while still married to Olga Khokhlova. The Minotaur’s dual nature—half man, half beast—reflected Picasso's struggle between instinct and reason, desire and guilt. As Stephen Coppel comments on this series, 'They are stepping stones on the road to Guernica, [Picasso's] monumental icon of the horrors of war'. (S. Coppel, Picasso Prints - The Vollard Suite, exh. cat., The British Museum Press, London, 2012, p. 169).Written by: Fessel, Renee,

Dimensions:
1 PC x H 9.62" W 13.62"

Condition
with pale light staining, a few points of pale foxing, stray pencil notations verso, hinged in the upper right and left corners, otherwise no visible abrasions. | Please note all lots show signs of wear commensurate with age and use, and the lack of a statement regarding condition does not imply the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from defects or the effects of aging. Unless otherwise stated, all information provided is the opinion of DuMouchelles' specialists. Should you have any specific questions regarding the condition of this lot, please use the “Request Condition Report” or “Ask a Question” buttons or email conditions@dumoart.com.

Dimensions

9.62 x 13.62 in

Buyer's Premium
29%