Pablo Picasso
(Spanish, 1881-1973)
Tauromachie (Illustration for Le Carmen des Carmen)
Sale 2087 - Impressionist and Modern Art, Featuring the Collection of John and Rosetta Gernon
Oct 28, 2024
12:00PM ET
Live / Philadelphia
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Estimate
$80,000 -
120,000
Price Realized
$107,950
Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium
Lot Description
Pablo Picasso
(Spanish, 1881-1973)
Tauromachie (Illustration for Le Carmen des Carmen)
Color crayon on paper
Sheet size: 12 7/8 x 19 7/8 in. (32.7 x 50.5cm)
This lot is located in Philadelphia.
Property from the Estate of Shirley Hughes, Barrington, Illinois.
This lot is accompanied by a photo-certificate from Jean-Claude Bellier, signed and dated Paris le 3 Décembre 1968.
Provenance:
Wally F. Findlay Galleries, New York, New York.
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 1971.
Lot Essay:
Picasso's exploration of tauromachie, or bullfight, began in his early years and continued to evolve as he matured as an artist. He depicted the bullfight not merely as a spectacle but as a profound metaphor for the human condition. His Tauromachie series encompasses paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures that delve into the complex dynamics between the bull and the matador, symbolizing the eternal struggle between life and death, dominance and submission, courage and fear.
Through bold, expressive lines and a rich color palette, Picasso conveyed the raw intensity and drama of the bullring. His ability to capture the essence of the moment, from the graceful choreography of the matador to the ferocity of the charging bull, is nothing short of mesmerizing. In these works, Picasso offers a glimpse into the heart of Spanish culture and tradition, shedding light on the complexity of human emotions and instincts.
Condition Report
Auction Specialist