#10544 • Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) "Picador and Bull"

Part of Pierre Argillet & Royal Family Art Collection (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: Sold

Est. $200,000-$225,000 Pablo Picasso (Spanish; 1881-1973) "Picador and Bull" Original Copper Plate & Artist Proof Etching From the Carmen Suite (1 of 4 Aquatints for the Deluxe Edition) W/COAs - This magnificent specimen is an original copper plate and etching by one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso. This plate and etching are a part of the Carmen Suite, created by Picasso while in Paris and remembering his homeland. The collection was inspired by one of the most poignant works in Spanish literature, "Carmen" by Prosper Merimee, and consisted of 42 copper plates and 38 etchings, made for an illustrated version of the book, in an extremely limited edition of only 320. The plates were made by Picasso and the etchings were printed either by Picasso, or by Roger Lacourier in Paris. This piece is titled "Picador and Bull" and was created by Picasso in 1949. The piece is especially significant as it is a copper plate made by Picasso for one of only four aquatints for the deluxe editions of the illustrated book "Carmen". Of the 320 illustrated versions of "Carmen", only 11 were these deluxe editions. The original etching was also created by Picasso, and was the second of four artist working proofs that were printed by the artist on wove paper, using the sugar-lift aquatint method. This is a stunning piece that truly belongs in a museum, from one of Picasso's greatest collections. This is a once in a lifetime chance to own an original work by arguably one of the most influential and well known artists of all time. You will never see a piece like this again, as most people would likely never see anything more than pictures of this master's work in art books. The piece is dated in the lower right "2.5.49 II", and both will come with individual certificates of authenticity. The plate measures approx. 14" x 11", and the etching measures approx. 13 1/2" x 10 7/8". Both pieces will come framed in exhibit quality frames.