This lot consists of an unframed oil painting on stretched canvas, rendered in the Synthetic Cubism style of Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). A hand-painted inscription at lower right reads, "Picasso". This dynamic image depicts a collage of organic shape. Mysterious symbols and deep, powerful colors amplify the abstract expressionism for which Picasso is known. This handsome painting would be a highlight to any modern art collector's gallery. Overall measurements are approximately 19.5" x 40".

This charming canvas, stretched on its original frame, features two aged paper labels on its reverse side, as well as three stamps and two handwritten inscriptions. Top label provides the name and information of the Hammer Galleries of New York. Lower label bears the name and address of a Parisian establishment, Galerie Simon, with a handwritten attribution to 'Picasso'. A large, recognizable scrawl also spells out 'Picasso' with a flourish and a bold underline. A second, cursive graphite inscription is visible below, though difficult to decipher. Two stamps include the phrases "New York" and "Paris", while the third stamp is largely illegible.

Best known for his ever evolving style, Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973) produced a huge body of work which spanned most of the 20th century. He explored many mediums, from oil painting and ceramics to pastel and silkscreen. Picasso led a fascinating, tempestuous life. At the age of seven, Picasso's father began to provide the boy with formal art training. Picasso's career took wing in Barcelona and Paris, where he lived in poverty and was even forced to burn his paintings for heat.

Eventually, Picasso came to dominate the European art world, and would gravitate toward the tropical coasts of the French Riviera. It was here that he lived and worked for many years. The figures in his earliest work were classical and rather academic; later portraiture became increasingly abstract, often with jumbled facial features and inventive colors.

Pablo Picasso was a leader of the early Analytic Cubism school, which took on new form with the Synthetic Cubism movement (also spearheaded by Picasso). Though his personal life was riddled with upheaval and controversy, Picasso the artist was remarkably uninhibited and prolific. He was a free-roaming explorer of art in all its styles and forms.

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection

DIMENSIONS:
Unframed approx. 19.5" x 40".

Finger Lakes Estate and Auction Company has been commissioned to liquidate several private collections of fine art. The pieces in this auction came from established collectors both in the United States and Europe.

Lots that do not carry established documented provenance nor any past auction record are described in the catalog as "in the style of". Authentication has not been established nor is it implied. Definition of "in the style of" is as follows:

In the style of [Artist Name]: The work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

Please use photos as part of the description. The absence of condition report does not guarantee excellent condition. Please contact us for an in-hand evaluation or for additional photos.

Overall good condition. Some areas of minor chipping are visible at outer edges of the piece. Colors remain strong and rich. A minimal area of discoloration (possible water damage) is visible on reverse side of painting at lower left corner. Please review photos for further reference.