This original aquatint and etching, Peintre au Travail avec Modèle Barbu et Une Spectatrice assise en Tailleur, 17.11.1963 (Painter at work with bearded model and seated spectator) was created November 17, 1963 and so dated in the etching plate.

The etching was created as a frontispiece for the Jaime Sabartes publication "Les Bleus de Barcelone" published in 1963.  The book was printed in an edition of 500 and an additional 75 were accompanied by a signed original print.  This is one of the 75 original prints, numbered 46/75 and signed by Picasso.

The paper has the watermark of Richard de Bas, the famed French paper maker and Au Vent d'Arles, the publisher.

The "Barcelone" suite was of 12 reproductions of Picasso watercolors and pastels where Picasso signed the title page of the book.  Should you have interest in seeing images from that suite, let us know.  They are available for acquisition for  $2,250 to $2,750 for the individual images from the suite.

This etching was printed by brothers Piero (1934-2001) and Aldo Crommelynck who, in 1963, set up a studio in Mougins when Picasso was 82 years old.  Picasso's prolific production relied on the absolute trust he had between himself and the master engravers. 

This etching is an excellent example of Picasso's mixed media graphics.  In this case he starting with line etching and then added aquatint to achieve effects of light and darkness and tonal qualities similar to that achieved in paintings.