Femme Assise et Dormeuse State 2, PHOTOGRAPH: FXP PHOTOGRAPHY, LONDON, 2011.
Picasso has been a big figure in art market headlines over the past two years. Partly because of big blockbuster exhibitions that have gone on show across the globe, and partly because of the extravagant prices that Pablo Picasso's work has been reaching at auction.
In both cases, it tends to be Picasso's paintings that hit the headlines. More intimate fans of the artist, however, may also be familiar with the fact that Picasso was a prolific printmaker, creating everything from lithographs to etchings and aquatints.
Picasso's prints are no strangers to auction, often reaching record breaking prices for highly sought after pieces in mint condition. Fans of Picasso's print work, or those who may be interested in getting to know that side of the artist, can now see 16 rare examples of Picasso's lithography, on show at the
Alan Cristea gallery on Cork Street in London.
The gallery is exhibiting lithograph portraits by the artist, which are often amongst his most intimate works, with many of the portraits being of his mistresses. The works on show are also interesting in the fact that many acted as experiments for the artist, rather than being considered finished works destined for public display.
With a very neoclassical theme throughout this range of mostly nude portraits, there is price range of £12,000 - £150,000 for the works which will be on display until 21st April 2011.