The Bull: Four States (M. 17; see B. 389)

Details

PABLO PICASSO
The Bull: Four States (M. 17; see B. 389)
four lithographs, 1945-6, on Arches, Mourlot's fourth, seventh, tenth and eleventh (final) states, Mourlot calls for 18 proofs of each state and the signed and numbered edition of 50 in the final state, fourth state inscribed '4e M 17 4o etat' in pencil in the lower margin and '51 2e état 12/12', '52 3e état 18/12' and '53 4e état 22/12' on the reverse, seventh state inscribed '7e M 17 7e etat' in pencil in the lower right margin and '54 5e etat 24/12', '55 6e état 26/12', '56 7e état 28/12/45' and '150' on the reverse, tenth state inscribed 'M 17 10e etat 10e' in pencil in the lower margin and '59 10e état 10/1/46' and '150' on the reverse, final state inscribed 'M 17 11o etat' and '11e' in pencil in the lower margin, 'FM' in the upper margin and '60', '11e état (définitif) 17/1/46' and '190' on the reverse, all with margins, pale time staining, old glue remains and associated staining in places on the reverse (some showing through), otherwise all in good condition, all framed
all L. approx. 12 x 16 in. (304 x 406 mm.)
all S. approx. 12 7/8 x 17½ in. (327 x 444 mm.) (4)

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve.

Lot Essay

Although it is often assumed that proofs were produced as a means to a finished (published) print, in many cases Picasso is pushing the image for his own satisfaction. The Bull Series is concerned with development, reduction and transformation. The realistic bull which is the starting point is reduced to its essential structure.

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