Gentilhomme et Maja by Pablo Picasso

from "the 347 series"

1968

B. 1616, Ba. 1632

3 5/16" x 2 3/8"

Etching, aquatint, with dry point on wove paper with full margins. Signed in pencil and numbered by the artist. From the Arabic numbered edition 50 examples (17 artist's proofs also exist). Printed by Crommelynck, published by Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris.

In his ninth decade, Picasso created the remarkable group of etchings known as the 347 series in less than seven months, from March 16th to October 5th, 1968.

While combining different cultures, icons and periods in this series, Picasso was able to create a unifying theme, focused on the narrator and observer rather than participant. The works area a panorama of compelling imagery including circus figures, musketeers, caballeros, musicians, and painters with their models, many charged with an erotic tone. Picasso's command of the challenging techniques of etching, engraving, dry-point and aquatint are revealed forcefully in the 347 works, along with the highly personal and facile drawing ability he possessed in his late years.

He collaborated with the master printers Piero and Aldo Crommelynck, who brought in a special press from their atelier in Paris to Picasso's private studio near Cannes.

Commenting on the series, the artist said, "I spend hour after hour while I draw, observing my creatures and thinking about the mad things they're up to; basically, it's my way of writing fiction."

The availability of this rare work from the 347 series (limited to only 50 examples), offers one of the finest collecting opportunities present to those seeking to acquire original works by Picasso.

Contact Greg's Gallery at gregsgalleryoffineart@outlook.com for more information and pricing.