187 Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) – 4.10.59 – Picador and Bull – Sepia Ink Drawing from the Toros y Toreros Series (1959)

The composition distills the essence of the bullfight into its primal forces—man, beast, motion—through abstraction and bold contrast. The date inscribed in Picasso’s hand at the top left (4.10.59) marks it as part of a sequence of works from that day, when he obsessively explored the symbolism of the arena.

This piece was later reproduced in the 1961 Toros y Toreros book, published by Cercle d’Art in Paris, with lithographic plates printed by Mourlot. The series represents Picasso’s mature reflection on one of his lifelong obsessions: the bullfight as a metaphor for death, ritual, spectacle, and artistic confrontation.

Artist or Maker:

Pablo Picasso

Dimensions:

25 cm x 20 cm

Medium:

Sepia ink on paper

Date:

4 October 1959

Condition Report:

This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.