The Bacchanal was often a subject depicted by Picasso with much fondness, liveliness and energy.  Taken from the Greek and Roman festivals which celebrated the god of wine, Bacchus, they were typically attended by only women who danced, played music, and of course, drank wine. In Picasso’s works as in Bacchanale au hibou (Bacchanale with Owl), 1959, we see an array of characters suspended in thrilling animation as we are given just a peek into their grand celebration.  Set before a majestic and enchanting landscape of mountain peaks, the composition is dynamically anchored along the lower margin to hold our partygoers. The undulating motion of the lines creates the feeling of music and dance in this scene.

Created in 1959, this original linocut on Arches paper is printed and published by Arnéra, Vallauris. Hand signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 - Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin, this work is numbered from the edition of 50 in pencil in the lower left margin.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso Bacchanale with Owl (Bacchanale au hibou), 1959 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 final sale of the work).

1. Baer, Brigitte. Picasso: Peintre-graveur, Tome V 1959-1965. Berne: Editions Kornfeld, 1989. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1265.

2. Bloch, Georges. Picasso: Tome I, Catalogue de l'oeuvre gravé et lithographié 1904-1967. Berne: Editions Kornfeld et Cie, 1986. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 938.

3. Lieberman, William S. Picasso Linoleum Cuts. New York: Random House, 1985. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 43.

About the Framing:

Framed to archival museum grade conservation standards, Pablo Picasso Bacchanale with Owl (Bacchanale au hibou), 1959 is presented in a complementary moulding with silk-wrapped mats and optical-grade Plexiglas.