Pablo Picasso

Tête [Head]

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About this artwork

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.

Updated before 2020

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  • artist:
  • title:
    Tête [Head]
  • date created:
    1913
  • materials:
    Papiers collés with black chalk on card
  • measurements:
    43.50 x 33.00 cm (framed: 58.50 x 48.20 x 3.50 cm)
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased with assistance from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Art Fund, 1995
  • accession number:
    GMA 3890
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • glossary:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso