Picasso and the Progressive Proof

n the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the death of Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), this book explores in depth an aspect of the Spanish mase- ter’s late graphic output: the linoleum block or linocut. Published prints and their related proofs drawn from a notable private collection are examined in the context of themes Picasso developed over his entire career. Starting with the illuminating set of eight progressive proofs made by Picasso and his printer Hidalgo Arnéra for the artist’s first published linocut, the so-called Cranach II (1958), the volume takes on a decade of work in linocut printmaking inspired by the South of France, where the artist had increasingly spent time since the 1940s. Speaking to the artist’s love affair with the region, he begins a series of linocuts depicting the bullfight. Eight proofs for the Pique II (1959) included in the book attest to this. Likewise, a proof for one of the Bacchanal series demonstrates his love of both the Côte d’Azur as well as for Classical Antiquity. • Relatively little studied, published and exhibited, these prints provide an extraordinary opportunity to better understand the artistic process of Pablo Picasso, one of the world’s greatest artistic geniuses, and to examine one of print- making’s most fascinating and demanding mediums, the linogravure. Independent art historian, former museum director and president of Townsend Art Advisory LLC, Richard P. Townsend has guided the acquisition of major works of art for over thirty years. His experience ranges from old master and 19th-century paintings and drawings to modern and contemporary art, archi- tecture and design. He has advised public and private collections around the US. On the 50th anniversary of Picasso’s death, a book devoted to the progressive proofs by the leading Spanish master Picasso and the Progressive Proof Linocut Prints from a Private Collection by Richard P. Townsend 14