Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973)
"Garcon et Dormeuse a la Chandelle" - 1934
Aquatint and etching on Montval laid paper. Pencil signed lower right.
Comes with COA from Martin Lawrence Galleries.
Impression Size: 9.25 x 11.5 in.
Overall Framed Size: 24.75 x 27 in.
Framed behind glass.
Garcon et Dormeuse a la Chandelle is one of 100 different etchings from the Vollard Suite (Plate 26), a series Picasso produced from 1930 to 1937 for Parisian publisher Ambroise Vollard. While over 300 sets were printed, complete suites are exceedingly rare, instead the prints from this series now are often found individually.
The suite spans Picasso's passionate, sometimes tumultuous affair with his teenage model and muse Marie-Therese Walter. Many of the earlier works in the series portray a sculptor in his studio among his work alluding to the classical myth of Pygmalion (see lot 263). The later prints become increasingly dark as both his relationship with Marie-Therese waned and Europe marched toward World War II.
This particular print marks a turning point in Picasso's relationship with Marie-Therese, as it was created when Picasso learned that she was pregnant with his child in 1934. Her pregnancy marked the end of Picasso's then marriage to the Ballet Russe dancer Olga Koklova and also the beginning of the end for his relationship with his young model (just one year later he would meet Dora Maar?with whom Marie-Therese would become embattled over Picasso's affection).
This print, however, portrays a tranquil scene of a sleeping woman (Marie-Therese); her fertile feminine features illuminated by candlelight, with a young man (likely intended to symbolize Picasso himself) sitting and thoughtfully watching her at rest. A single candle illuminating the scene creates a stillness and chiaroscuro reminiscent of Rembrandt's nocturnal scenes.
The onset of World War II and the sudden death of the publisher Vollard in a car crash in the south of France in 1939 delayed the distribution of this major suite of etchings until the 1950s. Bloch 226; Geiser 440.
Condition
- By registering to bid for this auction either in-house or online and/or placing a bid in this auction the BIDDER/BUYER agrees to all the terms and conditions of Helmuth Stone Gallery Auctions.
- Due to the size of our gallery not all items are out for preview at one time. If you plan on coming to preview any lot(s) we recommend letting us know prior so we can have them collected and prepared for your preview.
- All silver, gold and/or jewelry lots or invoices containing said lots MUST be paid for via WIRE TRANSFER, no other forms of payment will be accepted.
- All items are sold as-is where-is and no guarantees are made of any kind. All sales are final; no refunds will be given under any circumstances.
- All artwork is listed and sold per section (10) of our terms and conditions, please read over all definitions of authorship prior to bidding to better understand artwork listings.
- Helmuth Stone Gallery provides condition reports as a courtesy to our clients and assumes no liability for any error or omission. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client and is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to age, condition, mater. The bidder assumes responsibility for ensuring that the condition of the item(s) meets with their satisfaction prior to bidding. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging.
- Online images can sometimes be low quality due to the uploading process, original high-resolution images can be requested via email at HelmuthStone@gmail.com
- We recommend looking into shipping quotes prior to bidding, shipping quotes can take up to a week or more post-sale as we host our auctions through multiple online platforms and shipping can become backlogged, if you would like a list of local shippers please visit our website. All listed sizes are approximate.
- Our auction catalogs are hosted through multiple online platforms along with phone and in-house bidding. Bids placed on other platforms are not shown through this catalog. Because of this, even if it appears you are the only absentee bid or bidder on a lot, you may already be outbid or may have placed a bid equal to another bidder. Therefore, we always recommend bidding live.
- Unless otherwise stated in the description, all items are sold without additional documentation or COAs. If any supporting documentation is available an image will be available online via the catalog listing and listed in the description.
- Important note on Frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses.