A los Toros avec Picasso: The Complete Set of Four Original Lithographs (1961)
This exceptional, complete set of four original lithographs represents Pablo Picasso’s legendary 1961 suite created specifically for the celebrated publication A los Toros avec Picasso. Produced in collaboration with Picasso’s master printer Fernand Mourlot at the famed Atelier Mourlot in Paris, this suite features the legendary 24 color lithograph alongside three dynamic monochrome wash-style (lavis) lithographs that showcase the artist’s mastery of motion, line, and light in the bullfighting arena.
The story behind the single color print Le Picador II (Bloch 1017 / Mourlot 350)—is one of printmaking lore: Picasso originally completed four dynamic black-and-white ink-wash lithographs for the portfolio, when publisher André Sauret reminded the artist that he had requested a splash of color to anchor the suite. Slightly annoyed, Picasso grabbed a set of 24 colored wax crayons and overlaid vibrant, rapid strokes directly onto the proof, knowing that the master printer Fernand Mourlot faced the formidable technical challenge of building 24 separate lithographic stones, one for every single crayon shade, to recreate Picasso's exact wax texture and color nuances. The resulting triumph made Le Picador II the only 24-color lithograph Picasso ever created in his entire career, cementing its status as one of the most celebrated printmaking achievements in 20th-century graphic art.
Carefully removed from the original publication binding, each leaf has been expertly preserved and individually custom-framed in a cohesive, museum-quality presentation designed for immediate gallery display as a complete four-piece collection. Featuring key catalogue raisonné references, this set offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a complete, original lifetime print edition capturing Picasso’s lifelong fascination with the majesty and drama of the Spanish bullfight.
Artwork Details
- Artist: Pablo Picasso
- Title: A los Toros avec Picasso (Complete Suite of 4 Original Lithographs)
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Individual Titles:
- Pique (Rouge et Noir) – Bloch 1014 / Mourlot 346
- Jeu de la Cape – Bloch 1015 / Mourlot 348
- Les Banderilles – Bloch 1016 / Mourlot 349
- Le Picador II – Bloch 1017 / Mourlot 350
- Medium: Original Lithographs
- Edition: First Print, 1961
- Signature: Dated and Signed in Stone by the Artist
- Image Size: 9 5/8" x 12 3/8"each
- Frame Size: 19¾" x 16¾"
- Paper Type: Papier Vélin
- Printer: Atelier Mourlot, Paris
- Publisher: André Sauret, Monte-Carlo, 1961
- Reference: Georges Bloch 1014–1017; Fernand Mourlot 346, 348–350; Cramer 113; Orozco Books 203
Includes COA from Gold & Silver Pawn Shop