Pablo Picasso La Pique (The Pike), 1961 is another example of Picasso’s whimsical works. Simple and concise are the lines rendered in this playful work of art. Strong black coloring fills in the between the lines that make up the bullfighter. The scene unfolds within a square frame that acts as a window meant for the onlooker to partake in the action. As a viewer, one can feel the theatrical element that Picasso playfully makes noticeable. The picador charges towards the bull with his long spear. In the background, thousands of people have gathered cheering on gleefully in the stands. One can truly feel the energy build up inside the corrida where the picador mounted up on his horse, fiercely conquers the bull.

An illustration made for the book, A Los Toros Avec Picasso by Jaime Sabartes, La Pique (The Pike) from A Los Toros With Picasso, 1961 is among a selection of lithographs depicting various scenes of bull-fighting. An iconic imagery depicting one of Picasso’s most common themes of bullfights, this work is an exceptional work. Strong graphics produce the undeniable elation an onlooker would have if they were indeed a part of the show.

Created in 1961, Pablo Picasso La Pique (The Pike), 1961 is a lithograph on Arches paper hand signed by Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 – Mougins, 1973) in pencil in the lower right margin and inscribed ‘epreuve d'artiste' (artist’s proof) in pencil in the lower left, aside from the numbered edition of 50.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso La Pique (The Pike), 1961 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. Bloch, Georges. Pablo Picasso, Tome I Catalogue de l’oeuvre grave et lithographie 1904-1967, Berne: Edition Kornfeld, 1984.  Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1014.
2. Cramer, Patrick, Pablo Picasso The Illustrated Books: Catalogue Raissone. Geneva: Patrick Cramer, Publisher, 1983. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 113.
3. Mourlout, Fernand. Picasso Lithographs, Boston Book and Art Publisher, 1970. Listed an illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 346.
4. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:

Pablo Picasso La Pique (The Pike), 1961, is framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Pablo Picasso La Pique (The Pike), 1961 is presented in a complementary moulding and optical grade Plexiglas.