PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED EUROPEAN COLLECTOR In the spring of 1920, Picasso was committed to both the neo-classical ideal of figural compositions and the honing of his cubist still-lifes. The present work titled Nature morte à la guitare (Composition cubiste), explores the stylistic possibilities of the latter, with its un-modulated swaths of color and reduced forms. On the console is a simplified compotier and guitar in front of an open book, all unified by reoccurring green, white and blue tones. Here Picasso opts for only a few pale colors over the dark tonal spectrum of his earlier analytic still-lifes, which gives the composition an appealing, harmonious atmosphere. The present work alludes to Picasso’s union with the beautiful ballet dancer, Olga Koklova. In April of 1920, roughly a year before the birth of his first child, Paul, Picasso was experiencing great artistic success and experimenting with the possibilities of late Synthetic Cubism. Picasso’s blissful springtime spent with his wife’s fashionable friends is apparent in the playfulness of the present work, with its caricatured presentation of the basket and open book, as well as the interlocking pink and blue forms. Through Nature morte à la guitare (Composition cubiste), Picasso reduces any unnecessary lines and colors, and simultaneously manages to permeate the exquisite gouache with a sense of domestic contentment and artistic ease.

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

Nature morte à la guitare (Composition cubiste)

Details

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
Nature morte à la guitare (Composition cubiste)
signed 'Picasso' (upper right); dated '2-4-20-' (on the reverse)
gouache and brush and India Ink on paper
6 1/8 x 4 1/8 in. (15.5 x 10.6 cm.)
Painted on 2 April 1920

Provenance

Acquired by the family of the present owner, circa 1985.

Brought to you by

Morgan Osthimer

mosthimer@christies.com +1 212 641 5074

Lot Essay

Maya Widmaier-Picasso has confirmed the authenticity of this work.

Claude Picasso has confirmed the authenticity of this work.

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