Tête d'homme (Head of a Man), from 'Le Gout du Bonheur' suite
Print on paper (Lithographic reproduction) • Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973)
Style & Movement
Late Modernism / Late Picasso Period
Medium & Technique
Crayon and charcoal drawing reproduced via lithography (granolitho technique). Soft gestural lines with characteristic waxy texture appearing as printed ink.
Creation Period
Original drawing dated 1964; print suite published in 1970
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 13 x 10 inches (paper size); Vertical/Portrait format
Subject Description
A whimsical, distorted male portrait typical of Picasso's late style. It features a bearded man with spiral-shaped eyes, a large prominent nose, and chaotic hair. The composition is highly linear and spontaneous, reflecting the artist's focus on essentialized form and 'child-like' freedom of line.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Housed in a standard frame with matting; visible toning to the paper consistent with age and type of stock.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Part of the 'Le Goût du Bonheur' (The Taste of Happiness) suite published by Cercle d'Art (Paris), Harry N. Abrams (New York), and Il Saggiatore (Milan) in 1970. Numbered 421/666.
Art Historical Significance
This work belongs to one of Picasso's famous late-life portfolios produced under his supervision. It documents his daily practice and obsession with the human face during a period where he worked with intense speed and decorative flair, influencing the Neo-Expressionist movement of the 1980s.
Notable Features
Features the printed date '7.10.64 II' in the upper right (October 7, 1964, second version of the day). Clearly numbered 421/666 in pencil or ink at the bottom left, denoting its place in the limited edition series.
Condition Issues
Possible light foxing or oxidative yellowing of the paper edges. Visible reflection on the glass suggests the artwork is not currently protected by museum-grade anti-reflective UV glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend removal from the current frame to inspect for acidic mounting tapes. Re-frame using acid-free archival mats and 99% UV-protective glass to prevent further yellowing and fading.