Pablo Picasso and his owl at Villa La Californie
Photograph, gelatin silver print on paper • David Douglas Duncan (American, 1916–2018)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Photojournalism / Documentary Photography
Medium & Technique
Gelatin silver print; candid black and white photography utilizing natural light and shallow depth of field.
Creation Period
1957; printed later.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8 x 10 inches or 11 x 14 inches; landscape orientation, matted and framed.
Subject Description
A close-up portrait of the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso smoking a cigarette, with his pet owl (Ubu) perched behind him on a chair. The composition captures an intimate, pensive moment within his studio-residence, Villa La Californie in Cannes. The owl serves as a symbolic 'familiar' or alter-ego for the artist.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible glare and reflections on the glazing prevent a full inspection of the paper surface, but no major tonal fading is evident.
Estimated Market Value
$1,000 - $3,500 (depending on print date and presence of signature)
Auction Estimate
$800 - $2,500
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a gallery specializing in 20th-century photography or a museum shop; Duncan's Picasso series was widely published and distributed.
Art Historical Significance
Duncan’s photographs of Picasso are among the most famous records of the artist’s private life. They humanized the 20th century's greatest art icon, showing him at work and play. The owl is a recurring motif in Picasso's own work from this period.
Notable Features
Includes the iconic image of Picasso's owl; Duncan was one of the few photographers granted total access to Picasso’s domestic life, leading to the 1958 book 'The Private World of Pablo Picasso'.
Condition Issues
Potential silver mirroring near edges (typical of gelatin silver prints), slight mat burn if not framed with acid-free materials, and heavy surface reflections from non-archival glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-frame using UV-protective museum glass and acid-free archival matting. Keep away from direct sunlight and high-humidity areas to prevent silver oxidation.