The Picasso 347 Collection - 1970 First Edition Heliogravures
These original heliogravures are procured from one of Picasso's most impressive collections produced for a first edition portfolio in 1970. The heliogravures offered here are not from the later editions produced in 1971, 2000, or 2009.
When Picasso was in his 80's, he created an extraordinary group of etchings known as the 347 Series (March to October 1968). He worked with the Crommelynck brothers, master printers in Paris near Picasso's private studio in Cannes. This collaboration led to the remarkable output of intaglio prints created at the end of his life.
While combining different cultures, icons and periods in this series, Picasso created a unifying theme throughout: that of the narrator and observer rather than participant. The works are a panorama of compelling imagery including: circus figures, musketeers, cabelleros, musicians, and painters with their models -- many with an erotic nature. Picasso's command of the challenging techniques of etching, engraving, dry-point and aquatint are forcefully revealed in the 347 works, along with the highly personal and facile drawing ability he possessed in his late years.
Since its creation by Picasso more than 40 years ago, the 347 Series has garnered interest by collectors, museums, dealers and historians. Picasso's devotion and burst of energy into etching and engraving in the last years of his life has been equaled by no other artist. In the last decade, the works have experienced extraordinary attention amongst collectors resulting in significant increases in the prices for the original works at international auctions. Consider that Rembrandt made approximately 300 etchings in his lifetime. Picasso made 347 in seven months. It is doubtful that any artist will ever live again who will match this achievement.
The complete 347 Series is part of the permanent collection of the following museums and institutions:
- Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain
- National Library of Paris, France
- Picasso Museum in Paris, France
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Peter Ludwig de Colonia Museum
- Art Museum of Israel, Jerusalem
- The Gottfried Keller Stiftung of Switzerland
For those who could not afford the originals from Picasso, we are pleased to offer these original heliogravures from the 1970 first edition portfolio. The plate number on each image is visible but could easily be matted out when framed.
