Arles Musée Réattu 1971

This 1971 original exhibition poster, created for the Musée Réattu in Arles, celebrates a presentation of previously unseen drawings by Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential figures of 20th-century art. The exhibition, held from late 1970 into 1971, offered a rare opportunity to explore a more intimate and spontaneous side of Picasso’s creative process.

At the center of the poster are two expressive faces, rendered in a loose, sketch-like style characteristic of Picasso’s later years. Executed with confident, fluid lines and minimal shading, these portraits capture both immediacy and emotional depth. The figures—one clean-shaven and the other bearded—appear almost archetypal, evoking timeless human presence rather than specific identities. Their asymmetry and distortion reflect Picasso’s enduring fascination with the transformation of form.

The color palette is restrained yet warm, dominated by earthy browns and ochres set against a clean white background. This simplicity allows the drawing to breathe, emphasizing the artist’s line as the primary vehicle of expression. The composition is balanced by elegant typography: “ARLES MUSÉE RÉATTU” above and “PICASSO” prominently below, framing the artwork with clarity and authority.

The Musée Réattu, located in the historic city of Arles in southern France, held a special connection to Picasso. In 1971, the artist donated a significant group of works to the museum, strengthening its role as a key institution for modern art. This poster not only advertises an exhibition but also commemorates a meaningful moment in the relationship between Picasso and the region.

Unlike more commercial or decorative posters, this piece retains a distinctly artistic integrity. It functions as both a promotional object and a work of art in its own right—faithful to Picasso’s ethos of reducing form to its essential elements while maintaining expressive power.

Today, this poster is highly sought after by collectors for its direct association with Picasso and its reflection of his late style. It stands as a refined and elegant example of exhibition design, where the simplicity of presentation allows the genius of the artist to take center stage.

Original Poster

Exhibition

Ref : Czwiklitzer 394

Printed by Mourlot

Good condition