Picasso's 347 Series Quiz

Picasso 347 Series Overview

• Park West Gallery possesses one of the largest collections of Picasso's 347 Series, the final significant graphic works by the artist.
• The 347 Series consists of hand-signed etchings and engravings, all created solely by Picasso's hand.
• Notable work from the series includes "Le Buste du Peintre Mort est Couronne Par L’Academie: La Veuve Se Moque" (1968).

Historical Context

• Created between March 16 and October 5, 1968, during a time when avant-garde conceptual art was becoming popular.
• Picasso opposed the conceptual art mantra that "anyone can be an artist," emphasizing traditional aesthetics and technical skill.
• His creativity during this period marked a return to narrative and beauty in art, which he saw as foundational elements.

Collaboration with Printers

• Collaborated with master printers Piero and Aldo Crommelynck, who brought specialized equipment to Picasso’s studio near Cannes.
• Their understanding of Picasso's artistic needs facilitated a prolific output of intaglio prints during his later years.

Themes and Imagery

• The 347 Series encapsulates a variety of imagery including circus figures, musketeers, musicians, and painters with models, often imbued with an erotic tone.
• Picasso's works reflect his perspective as a narrator and observer rather than a participant, showcasing a unifying theme throughout the series.
• His technical prowess is highlighted through his use of etching, engraving, dry-point, and aquatint.

Artistic Reflection

• Picasso described his drawing process as a form of storytelling, where he observed and imagined the lives of his depicted subjects.
• Brigitte Baer noted that in Suite 347, Picasso focused on external perceptions rather than inner anxieties, presenting a broader view of the world.

Institutional Collection

• The complete 347 Series is housed in several prominent institutions including:
  • Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain
  • National Library of Paris, France
  • Picasso Museum in Paris, France
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Peter Ludwig de Colonia Museum
  • Art Museum of Israel, Jerusalem
  • Gottfried Keller Stiftung in Switzerland

Market Value

• The 347 Series has gained significant interest from collectors, museums, and historians since its inception over 40 years ago.
• Prices for works from the series have increased dramatically at international auctions in recent years.
• Picasso's achievement in producing 347 pieces in seven months stands in stark contrast to Rembrandt's approximately 300 etchings created throughout his lifetime.