La pique cassée 1959

This 1959 linogravure, La pique cassée (“The Broken Lance”), by Pablo Picasso is part of his celebrated bullfighting series published by Cercle d'Art. As plate 18, it presents a striking contrast to the dense, dramatic compositions of other prints in the series, embracing instead a radical economy of line and form.

The scene depicts a pivotal moment in the corrida: the picador, mounted on horseback, faces the bull, but the lance—his primary instrument—has snapped. This detail, subtly embedded in the composition, transforms the image into one of vulnerability and imbalance. The ritual order of the bullfight is disrupted, and tension arises from this sudden shift.

Picasso renders the entire scene with an extraordinary minimalism. The figures—horse, rider, and bull—are drawn in fluid, continuous lines, almost as if sketched in a single breath. Set against a muted blue-grey ground, the black contours appear weightless, yet precise. There is no shading, no dense texture—only line.

This simplicity is deceptive. Each curve and contour is carefully calibrated to convey volume, movement, and relationship. The horse’s elongated head, the compact force of the bull, and the rounded mass of the rider are all defined through subtle variations in line. The composition feels both spontaneous and deeply controlled.

Unlike more violent or chaotic depictions of the bullfight, La pique cassée is contemplative. The broken lance introduces a moment of pause—an interruption in the expected sequence of events. Rather than emphasizing action, Picasso focuses on the quiet tension between the figures, suspended in time.

The stylistic approach reflects Picasso’s late exploration of reduction and essence. By stripping the image down to its most basic elements, he achieves a clarity that borders on abstraction. The figures become almost symbolic—archetypes of confrontation, fragility, and resilience.

This work also highlights Picasso’s innovative use of the linocut medium. While linocuts are often associated with bold, heavy contrasts, here he uses the technique to produce delicate, calligraphic lines. The result is a print that feels both graphic and intimate.

Within Picasso’s broader engagement with the theme of bullfighting, La pique cassée offers a unique perspective. It is less about spectacle and more about structure—what happens when the ritual falters, when control is lost, and when the balance between man and beast is momentarily undone.

Today, the print stands as a testament to Picasso’s ability to say more with less—transforming a simple line into a vehicle for tension, narrative, and profound artistic expression.

Linocut

Abstract - Bullfight

Plate 18 Editions Cercle d'Art à Paris

Good condition