A Message from Roy C. Saper

(Note: Exhibition ended July 9, 2006 although a limited number of the works of art shown below may still be available.  You may wish to call us before traveling to visit to ensure what you are seeking is still here and to confirm pricing!

The creative genius of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), the most famous artist of the 20^th century, gave the world more than 20,000 works of art and the development of new styles and artistic media. 

One of Picasso’s most significant achievements was his creation of more than 2,000 graphic images: original etchings, lithographs, linocuts and mixed-media.  These creations, generally made by preparing a flat surface with an image that was inked and transferred to paper, are noteworthy for several reasons. 

Picasso was known for discovering his own technical and visual vocabulary, creating works of art unlike any before him.  For 70 years he was a prodigious worker, creating more than 500 etchings in his final years.  His graphic work also chronicles his life, particularly his relationships with his wives and other loves and, in his final years, his imagined relationships.

In this rare and historical exhibition we have assembled several dozen of Picasso's catalogued graphics which are recognized for their importance in illustrating Picasso's noteworthy contributions to 20th century art and printmaking.

Among the more exciting etchings displayed is a large selection from the famous Vollard Suite, a series of 100 etchings created between 1933 and 1937, commissioned by the foremost French art dealer and publisher, Ambroise Vollard.  These are the same etchings that one can see today at the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Picasso Museums (Barcelona and Paris), The Art Institute of Chicago, National Gallery (Washington, D.C.) and the famed Bibliothèque Nationale (Paris), among other such institutions around the world.

The only difference between the museum examples and what is displayed in this exhibition is that those being exhibited at Saper Galleries are available for personal acquisition for display in your home or office, to be in your family for this and future generations.

In contrast to Picasso’s graphic media are his ceramics, three-dimensional creations that Picasso became intrigued with in 1947 and were to become a focus of Picasso’s for the rest of his life.  A selection of the artist’s rare painted vases, pitchers and plates are a significant contribution that widens the breadth of this exhibition.

Consistent with the Saper Galleries tradition of 28 years in providing detailed documentation on what it owns and displays, the exhibit includes text which will guide the viewer to a richer understanding of the art’s relevance to Picasso’s life and contributions to modern art history.

Regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20^th century, the creations of Pablo Picasso literally changed the face of modern art. 

Between May 7 and July 2, 2006 guests were able to see for themselves examples of the creative intellect, the brilliant vision, the prodigious output, and artistic legacy of Pablo Picasso at Saper Galleries. 

It is my pleasure to personally welcome you to enjoy Picasso: Original Graphics and Ceramics.

                                              ~ Roy C. Saper