%C2%A9 Estate of Pablo Picasso %2F Artists Rights Society %28ARS%29%2C New York
Le Banderillero (fourth state), 1959
Color linocutexpand_more
The John E. Andrus III Endowment Fund, the Richard Lewis Hillstrom Fund, the Barbara S. Longfellow Fund for Works on Paper, and gift of funds from Barbara S. Longfellowexpand_more 2018.36.5
Not on Viewexpand_more
This series of proofs reveals Picasso’s working method as he collaborated with master printer Hidalgo Arnéra using the reduction linoleum cut method—a process that seems to have materialized from their partnership. Reduction linocuts involve using a single block to print layers of ink and cutting the block between successive printings. Mia acquired a series of five proofs from Arnéra’s archive. They first engaged with the technique in the summer of 1959, and Picasso became fascinated by its possibilities. After making several small linocuts from this method, he made one larger one, and then threw himself into this large, energetic image of a "banderillo" confronting a powerful bull.
A "banderillo" is a bullfighter whose role is to thrust darts ("banderillas") into the bull’s shoulders to anger and weaken the animal before the matador finishes it off. Picasso shows an arena filled with spectators where the lithe "banderillo" is doing his job. Behind him, to our left, the matador waves his cape. The bull lunges forward, head lowered with his horns nearly striking the "banderillo," just as the darts strike their target. Abstract lines suggest the many vectors of force and motion in the brutal, balletic scene.
This print is the fourth state of the first block. Picasso returned to the block for one final round of cutting. He removed much of the surface in the areas surrounding the figures of the matador, bandillero, and bull. Arnéra now inked the original block in black and printed over the previously double-printed impressions to produce the finished prints. The result was an edition of three-color prints in caramel, chocolate, and black, strongly reminiscent of ancient painted pottery, one of Picasso’s great inspirations.
Details
- Title
- Le Banderillero (fourth state)
- Artist Life
- (active France), 1881–1973
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2018.36.5
- Provenance
- Hidalgo Arnéra, the printer (1922-2007, Vallauris, France); his estate; (Frederick Mulder, Ltd, London); sold to MIA, 2018.
- Catalogue Raisonne
- Bloch 940; Baer 1225; PP. L-046
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
© Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York