Framed by a delicate boarder of leaves and stars, Picasso Visage aux feuilles (Face with Leaves), c. 1970s is a serene and beautiful artwork. Within the center of the medallion is a simple face placed on a delicate latticed background. This lattice adds ridges to the smooth surface of the gold, creating exciting textural complexity. Altogether, Picasso shows his immense artistic talent in the conception and creation of such a placid and well balanced medallion.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s Picasso initiated a collaboration with renowned goldsmith François Victor-Hugo. Together, they created a series of medallions all in gold based after original designs from Picasso. Much to Hugo’s dismay, Picasso initially refused to sell these works for profit and instead kept them as private treasures. However Picasso gave in to Hugo’s persistence and in 1967 and authorized Hugo to make a small, ‘numbered edition’ of each for sale. They were not sold publicly but rather dispatched to their respective buyers and so they attracted almost no publicity, making them quite rare. In fact, few outside of Picasso’s inner circle knew about their existence. Each gold medallion was individually selected, designed and approved by Picasso, revealing the special attachment the artist had towards the medallions.

Created circa the 1970s, this 23K gold medallion is stamped with the artist’s signature ‘Picasso,’ the François and Pierre Hugo reference number ‘1403’, and the goldsmith’s mark and a French mark on verso. Numbered from the edition of 20 on verso.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso Face with Leaves (Visage aux feuilles), c. 1970s 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 sale of the work).

1. C. Siaud & P. Hugo, Bijoux d’artistes Hommage à François Hugo, Aix-en-Provence, 2001. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1403.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.