after Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title: Nature morte a l’aubergine
Still Life with Eggplant
Medium: Lithograph in colours , 1954 , on Arches watermarked paper, signed by the artist in pencil and in the stone
Edition: 82/100; There were also 10 hors commerce edition numbered I/X to X/X
Size: Paper size 53.5 x 53.2 mms; Image size 36.9 x 48.3 cms
Printed by : Mourlot Freres, Paris
Published by : Syndicate d’Initiative de Lyons, 1953
Provenance: The Redfern Gallery, London, 1960;
Acquired from the above by the previous owner.
Note: In the last 1940’s and early 50’s Picasso made a series of paintings of “Nature morte” studies and this lithograph is one of several made at this time. Picasso was commissioned by the Musee de Lyon to create a poster for the “Festival de Lyons, Charbonniers” (30th June - 15th September 1953). The exhibition for which it was made was “Picasso de 1900 a 1953”. The poster for this exhibition was made in an edition of 1000 copies on thin poster paper. In addition to this 100 pieces were made on Arches paper of which this is one, each signed and numbered. Picasso himself never made the lithograph which is why the work is correctly described as “after Pablo Picasso”. Nevertheless it is signed by the artist and was made with his full knowledge and approval. It comes from a large series of “after Picasso” prints which are very collectible and valuable. This series has what normal “Original Picasso” prints do often not have : lovely colours.
Placing ripe, vibrantly coloured fruit against a background of interlocking triangles, Picasso utilises cool tones of blues, creams, and blacks to create an abstract still life in Picasso Nature morte à l’aubergine (Still Life with Eggplant), c. 1946. Three pieces of fruit rest upon a triangular table. This table mimics the white and blue triangular pattern of the background and adds a sense of depth and perspective to the work, jutting out to create the surface upon which the pieces of fruit rest. The largest fruit at the centre appears as the eggplant, depicted in placid tones of blue, grey and black. Flanking either side of the eggplant are circular fruits that resemble melons depicted in a brighter orange and forest green, while at the back of the table a clear vase balances precariously near the edge of the table. This piece conveys the texture of paint, clearly depicting Picasso's soft, swirling strokes, and the entire piece relays a sense of calm and quiet.
Reference: Christopher Czwiklitzer (Posters Catalogue Raisonee) number 74 (Page 314)
Michael Orozco: “Picasso Interpretation Prints 1, Lithographs: Catalogue Raisonne” : Number 43 : Page 41
For the Poster: Orozco's Picasso Posters No. 117. Czwiklitzer dtv 85. Rodrigo 23.
Not in Rodrigo (Posters)
