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Lot Essay
Executed in 1970, only three years before the artist's death, this drawing is a remarkable interpretation of one of Picasso's favourite themes: the creator, the artist himself, depicted as the observer not only of female beauty, but also of female nudity. Picasso relentlessly explored the theme of the artist-Pygmalion observing his sleeping muse, often choosing his studio as the setting of such voyeurism.
The present work perfectly combines the two themes, the model being asleep and Picasso in the middle of the creative act.
As often in the late works, Picasso depicted himself with the face of a very young man, with long, thick hair, and a boyish, almost adolescent face.
Le peintre et son modèle masterfully displays the old artist's capacity for life - his strength is re-instated through the most traditional choice of subjects: his passion for women.
The present work perfectly combines the two themes, the model being asleep and Picasso in the middle of the creative act.
As often in the late works, Picasso depicted himself with the face of a very young man, with long, thick hair, and a boyish, almost adolescent face.
Le peintre et son modèle masterfully displays the old artist's capacity for life - his strength is re-instated through the most traditional choice of subjects: his passion for women.