Joseph K. Foster says of this work, “(it) is generally regarded as his finest linoleum gravure…, and suggests his growing preoccupation with this print form.  It is full of bold and intricate design, and covers wide areas of subject matter, with hitherto unmatched skill…Upon looking closely, one observes two aspects of the same face, front and profile, constructed on the same plane.  In the profile the queue and the bun of the torero’s wig are patent, as are his ear, eye, nose, mouth, and chin.  The epaulet of his costume in profile is also plain, above the lettering ‘1958.’  By Picasso’s magic, the same eye, nose, and mouth are now used to complete the structure of the front view, and the epaulet of this construction, in different design, is equally plain.  Thus by a brilliant blending of elements Picasso creates an illusion of movement, a three-dimensional impression on a flat surface.  It is as though the spectator were walking around the figure.  The ever-present humor is again evidenced by putting Vallauris in lights.” (Foster 34)

Created in 1958, this color linocut is printed on Arches wove paper and published by Vallauris Potters Association.  Hand-signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881- Mougins, 1973) in blue crayon in the lower right margin, this work is numbered from the edition of 195 in pencil in the lower left margin; aside from the numbered edition of 22 artist’s proofs.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA

Pablo Picasso Bulls in Vallauris (Toros Vallauris), 1958 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. Baer, Brigitte. Picasso Peintre-Graveur, Tome IV Switzerland: Galerie Kornfeld, 1989. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no.  1049.

2. Bloch, Georges. Picasso Catalogue de l'ouvre gravé et lithographié, Volume I. Kornfeld et Cie: Switzerland, 1968. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1282.

3. McVinney, L. Donald, et al Picasso Linoleum Cuts: The Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kramer Collection in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: Random House, 1985. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 133.

4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing

Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Pablo Picasso Bulls in Vallauris (Toros Vallauris), 1958 is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.