Pablo Picasso, La Folie, 1958. Depicting a jester surrounded by brilliant colors and energetic patterns, the feeling of motion and activity in this work bounces off the page and captures the viewer's attention. Facing us at a three-quarter view, the figure in this work gives a wide-eyed expression with a slight grin, as though inviting the viewer to experience the joy of his surroundings. A playful red and black jester's hat sits at the top of his head, with vivid yellow bells balancing on the tips of the protruding hat. Holding a scepter with a humorous clown face at the top, the expression on his round head reveals a mischievous grin that masks an innate seriousness. In this sense, Picasso seems to be deconstructing the personality of this playful court jester who masks a sullen and serious interior. In developing a complex personality, Picasso creates a truly multidimensional portrait that exposes the inner humanity of the sitter, while simultaneously creating a jovial and entertaining work for us as viewers.

Created in 1958, this original color lithograph is signed by Picasso in pencil in the lower right and numbered 130 from the edition of 300 in the lower left. Additionally signed in the plate with the date '26.1.58' in the lower center of the work. Christian Zervos, volume 18, titles this piece "Le Carneval". This lithograph was printed in Paris, France, by Mourlot.

Illustrated in:
1. Texas A&M University. The Online Picasso Project. www.picasso.tamu.edu. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. OPP.58.105 .

About the Framing:
This work is set in a contemporary gold frame that accentuates and enhances the bright and dark tones in this work. The simple, clean-cut quality of the frame compliments the loose linear quality of this image. Completed with black linen wrapped mattes and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival Plexiglas cover.