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Tête [Head]
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? Succession Picasso/DACS 2004

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Tête [Head] 1913
This is one of Picasso's most celebrated 'papiers collés' (stuck papers) and the most abstract of his cubist collages. The half-circle drawn in charcoal can be read as the profile of a head. The small circle and diagonal line with arc represent an eye and nose. The pasted-on elements represent the face, hair and neck. This work was acquired from the estate of Roland Penrose, who bought it directly from the leader of the Surrealist group, André Breton. Picasso was greatly admired by the Surrealists.

Glossary Open

Cubism

A style of painting originated by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso in the first two decades of the 20th century. Instead of painting a figure or object from a fixed position they represented it from multiple viewpoints.

Papier collé

A French term used to describe a collage made from paper.

Surrealism

A literary and artistic movement founded by the poet André Breton in 1924. Many of the associated artists, such as Max Ernst and Jean Arp, had previously been involved with Dadaism. The movement sought to challenge conventions through the exploration of the subconscious mind, invoking the power of dreams and elements of chance. Cultural hierarchies were challenged by the combination of diverse elements in collages and sculptural assemblages. The movement is also notable for the collaborations between artists and writers evident in the Surrealists' many publications.

Cubism , Papier collé , Surrealism

Details

  • Acc. No. GMA 3890
  • Medium Papiers collés with black chalk on card
  • Size 43.50 x 33.00 cm
  • Credit Purchased with assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Art Fund 1995

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