Le Couple
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Le Couple, 1951, drypoint on chine volant, signed lower right margin and numbered (5/XI) lower left margin. References: Bloch 690, Baer 889. Presumably an impression of Baer’s 889 Bb before the edition of 400 included in the book Dons des Feminines. 8 1/2 x 6 5/8, the sheet 19 1/5 x 12 3/4 inches.
In good condition except for extensive rippling in the (very wide) margins, probably resulting from the process of printing on this paper (not affecting the image), a printer’s crease at right, a reinforced thin spot verso in the margin. Full margins with archival mounting.
Provenance: Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago
A fine, carefully printed impression.
In this fascinating drypoint Picasso seems to invoke the sensibility of the Vollard Suite classical etchings (of the ’30’s) within a cubist framework (of an even earlier period). This is amazing – and it works – but of course Picasso continued to amaze throughout his career.