Original ink sketch of two intertwined hands accomplished by Pablo Picasso on a 10.75 x 8.75 program for a bullfight on July 12, 1953, signed and inscribed in ink to one of the participating matadors (translated): "For Domingo Tormo, for you from your friend Picasso, here in Arles on 24 July 1953." One of the hands shows the lower part of the sleeve of a matador's suit, symbolizing the artist's friendship with the bullfighter. The front of the program features a color print of bullfighting artwork by Carlos Ruano Llopis. In fine condition, with a faint central horizontal fold, and old tape stains along the edges.
Pablo Picasso was fascinated by bullfights and regarded them as inherent to the Spanish psyche. He said to Andre Malraux: 'The life of the Spanish consists of Mass in the morning, the bullfight in the afternoon, and the whorehouse at night. What element do they have in common? Sadness.' Steeped in drama, these events also represented the ultimate avenue for artistic possibility. Bullfights—and bulls themselves—are frequent subjects in Picasso's works, including the iconic 'Guernica.' A remarkable association piece, boasting a wonderful original sketch by the abstract master.
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