Portrait of Jaime Sabartés with Ruff and Hat (after original by Pablo Picasso)
Painting on canvas • Modern copy after Pablo Picasso. While signed "Picasso" with the date "22.10.39", the execution (brushwork fluidity and pigment handling) suggests it is not by the artist's hand.
Style & Movement
Cubism/Surrealism; specifically following Picasso's distorted 'deconstructed' portrait style of the late 1930s.
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on canvas; utilizes thick contouring and simplified block modeling consistent with late synthetic cubism and surrealist influences.
Creation Period
Original composed in 1939; this specific object appears to be a contemporary or mid-late 20th-century copy or study.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 60 x 50 cm; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A portrait of Jaime Sabartés, Picasso's lifelong friend and secretary, depicted in a 16th-century style ruff and plumed hat. The face is a dual-perspective study, showing both profile and frontal views simultaneously, common in Picasso's 1930s work.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair. The surface appears relatively matte with some possible mechanical crackle or uneven drying. The canvas tension seems adequate.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $800 (as a decorative copy/after study)
Auction Estimate
$150 - $500
Provenance History
Unknown. No visible gallery labels or museum stamps are present in the provided image. The signature and date reflect the original work held in the Museu Picasso, Barcelona.
Art Historical Significance
The original 1939 painting is a significant example of Picasso's humor and his tendency to cast his friends in historical guises (Philip II era). This piece is a student or enthusiast copy of that famous work.
Notable Features
Features an imitation of Picasso's 1939 signature and the specific date 22.10.39. The ruff is executed with repetitive impasto strokes to simulate depth.
Condition Issues
Visible surface irregularities, slight yellowing of the highlight areas, and potential flattening of the paint film. Some thinning of paint in the lower signature area.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning to remove dust; light varnish if appropriate for the medium; stable humidity (45-55%) and UV-filtered lighting to prevent pigment fading.