{"product_id":"ap_24498","title":"La pique cassée 1959","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"494\"\u003eThis 1959 linogravure, \u003cem data-start=\"150\" data-end=\"167\"\u003eLa pique cassée\u003c\/em\u003e (“The Broken Lance”), by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003ePablo Picasso\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is part of his celebrated bullfighting series published by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eCercle d'Art\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"496\" data-end=\"849\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"851\" data-end=\"1170\"\u003ePicasso 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1172\" data-end=\"1500\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1804\"\u003eUnlike more violent or chaotic depictions of the bullfight, \u003cem data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1579\"\u003eLa pique cassée\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"2088\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2090\" data-end=\"2355\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2357\" data-end=\"2649\"\u003eWithin Picasso’s broader engagement with the theme of bullfighting, \u003cem data-start=\"2425\" data-end=\"2442\"\u003eLa pique cassée\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2651\" data-end=\"2832\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eToday, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLinocut\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbstract - Bullfight\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlate 18 \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eEditions Cercle d'Art à Paris\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood condition\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Picasso Pablo","offers":[{"title":"32 x 38 \/ A","offer_id":53552854401351,"sku":null,"price":500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0564\/9275\/3081\/files\/AP_24498Insta2.jpg?v=1775671302","url":"https:\/\/galerie1881.com\/en\/products\/ap_24498","provider":"Galerie 1881","version":"1.0","type":"link"}