Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). Etching and aquatint on wove paper titled "Homme allonge, avec deux femmes, evoquant les rapports d'un vieux clown et d'une jeune fille (An Elongated Man with Two Women Telling Tales of an Old Clown and a Young Girl)," plate 18 from the 347 Series, 1968. Pencil signed along the lower right; numbered 45/50 along the lower left. Printed by Aldo and Piero Crommelynck and published by Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris.

Provenance: Private Connecticut Collection, 1991; Private Minnesota Collection.

Reference: Bloch 1498; Baer 1514.

Lot Essay:
Pablo Picasso stands as one of the most renowned and prolific artists of the 20th century, whose innovative and groundbreaking work revolutionized the course of Western art. Born in Malaga, Spain, Picasso demonstrated exceptional artistic talent from a young age and received formal training at various art academies. His early works, influenced by Symbolism and the Blue and Rose Periods, showcased his versatility and mastery of traditional techniques.

Picasso's career underwent a seismic shift with the advent of Cubism, a movement he co-founded alongside Georges Braque. Cubism shattered conventional notions of perspective and representation, presenting multiple viewpoints simultaneously and breaking objects down into geometric forms. Picasso's seminal work "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (1907) marked a turning point in art history, foreshadowing the radical innovations that would follow.

Throughout his prolific career, Picasso continued to push artistic boundaries, experimenting with diverse styles and mediums, including sculpture, ceramics, and collage. His involvement with Surrealism and his exploration of African and Iberian art further enriched his artistic vocabulary.

Notably, Picasso's "347 Series," produced in 1968, is a testament to his relentless experimentation. This series comprises 347 etchings created within a span of just seven months - from March 16 to October 8, 1968 - showcasing Picasso's extraordinary output and his ability to innovate even in his later years. Picasso's 347 Series works are among the last hand-signed etchings and engravings the artist created and were dedicated to his friend, Jamie Sabartes.

Picasso's influence transcended the confines of the art world, shaping the cultural landscape of the 20th century and beyond. His legacy as a visionary artist, innovator, and provocateur continues to resonate, inspiring generations of artists and sparking dialogue about the nature of creativity and artistic expression. Through his relentless pursuit of innovation and his fearless embrace of experimentation, Picasso left an indelible mark on art history, cementing his status as a titan of modernism and one of the most enduring figures in the pantheon of great artists.
Sight; height: 18 1/4 in x width: 14 in. Framed; height: 32 1/2 in x width: 28 1/4 in.

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