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Pablo Picasso
Les Saltimbanques

1905

About the Item

Pablo Picasso's ,,Les Saltimbanques" is a captivating drypoint etching created in 1905. The work is unnumbered and part of the catalog raisonné. The artwork explores the lives of circus performers, or saltimbanques, who were often subjects of introspective melancholy in Picasso's art during this time. The etching is executed in drypoint, a technique in which the image is directly incised into the plate, resulting in rich, textured lines that give the work a dynamic, emotional quality. The plate is signed and dated in the lower right corner, a mark of authenticity from the artist himself. Part of the Saltimbanques suite, this etching portrays the transient, vulnerable world of the circus performers, capturing both their physical grace and their underlying sadness. Picasso's characteristic attention to detail and mastery of line is evident, using drypoint to create depth and a nuanced emotional atmosphere. The fine lines contrast with darker, denser areas of the composition, enhancing the sense of movement and fragility. At 28.8 x 32.6 cm, Les Saltimbanques is a perfect representation of Picasso’s classical-modern approach, where technical mastery and emotional depth meet. The work reflects the artist’s early exploration of humanism, and his portrayal of the saltimbanques highlights the transient, ephemeral nature of life itself—a theme that Picasso would continue to explore throughout his career.
  • Creator:
    Pablo Picasso (1881-1973, Spanish)
  • Creation Year:
    1905
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.34 in (28.8 cm)Width: 12.84 in (32.6 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Wien, AT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1782215860122

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