Le Taureau Noir. The Black Bull. by Pablo Picasso, 1881-1973

Pablo Picasso, 1881-1973
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Le Taureau Noir. The Black Bull.

Original lithograph with wash and chalk in black ink. 1947. One of six proofs (unsigned) before the edition of 50. Drawn at the Atelier Mourlot Sunday April 20 1947. Inscribed in the stone 'Dimanche 05.4.47'. Signed by Mourlot and numbered 3/6 on the reverse.
Ref: Mourlot - Picasso Lithographs no 89.

Excellent very rich proof impression. On pale cream wove Arches paper. Excellent condition. Full margins. Sheet: 19 5/8 x 25 3/4ins. Image overall: 16 x 23 1/4ins (405x590mm).

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The bull is one of the most important symbols in Picasso's art. Not only was it the personification of his constant awareness of his nationality, with its heritage and traditions, but it was also a symbol of the artist himself and of the emotional elements of his own character. At the same time in its actual form he saw an abstract expression of power, majesty and, very importantly, masculinity.

All these elements can be felt in this famous composition of 1947. Two years earlier he had drawn the renowned image of a 'standing bull' which in its 'first state' form is a full figurative representation of the animal but which, over a series of 11 changes, he reduced to an extraordinary purely linear symbol. There is something of the same overall form in this composition, but here linear abstraction of the shape, expressing structure and strength, is linked to wash tones. The whole form becomes a series of planes and shadows within a stylised vibrant profile, handled with marvellous sensitivity to the lithographic medium.

(Note: This impression is one of six proofs from the private archive collection of Fernand Mourlot, the printer in whose studio Picasso worked on his lithographs in the 1940's and 50's. This impression has the pencil numbering 3/6 and countersignature of Mourlot, the printer, on the reverse, confirming the provenance from his archive collection.)