Femme au collier 1959

Created in 1959, Femme au collier is part of Pablo Picasso’s remarkable series of linocuts published by Cercle d'Art. As plate 25, this work shifts away from the bullfighting imagery that dominates much of the suite, focusing instead on a single, monumental female figure rendered with striking graphic intensity.

The composition is tightly framed, presenting the woman’s head and upper torso in a compressed, almost iconic format. Picasso divides the face into contrasting zones, creating a duality that is both structural and expressive. One side is more linear and angular, while the other is softer and more rounded, suggesting multiple viewpoints simultaneously—a hallmark of his mature style.

The figure’s large, wide-open eyes command immediate attention. They are stylized yet deeply expressive, anchoring the composition and drawing the viewer into the image. The necklace, from which the work takes its title, is rendered as a rhythmic series of rounded forms, adding both decorative detail and a sense of weight to the figure.

Texture plays a central role in this linocut. The surface is alive with carved lines—parallel strokes, curves, and incisions—that describe hair, skin, and shadow. These marks are not merely descriptive but expressive, creating a sense of movement and vitality across the face and body.

The palette is restrained, relying on earthy tones—browns, blacks, and ochres—that emphasize the graphic nature of the image. The contrast between light and dark areas enhances the sculptural quality of the figure, giving it a sense of depth despite the flatness of the medium.

Picasso’s approach to the linocut here demonstrates both precision and spontaneity. The bold outlines define the structure, while the intricate internal carving adds nuance and complexity. The visible marks of the cutting process remain integral to the final image, reinforcing its tactile presence.

This work reflects Picasso’s ongoing exploration of the human figure, particularly the female form, which remained a central subject throughout his career. In Femme au collier, the figure is not portrayed as an individual likeness but as an archetype—an embodiment of presence, strength, and mystery.

Femme au collier stands as a powerful example of Picasso’s late graphic style. Through a combination of bold form, intricate texture, and expressive distortion, he transforms a simple portrait into a dynamic and timeless image, where the act of carving becomes inseparable from the act of seeing.

Linocut

Abstract

Pl. 25 Editions Cercle d'Art à Paris

Good condition