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Original Etching
Created in 1934
Image size: 8.5" x 5.6" (21.5 x 14.2 cm)
Paper size: 11.4" x 8.9" (28.7 x 22cm)
Edition: 1500 - there was also a deluxe edition of 150, hand signed
Reference: G. Bloch, 'Pablo Picasso, catalogue de l'oeuvre gravé et lithographié' No. 270
The artwork is part of "Lysistrata" suite, based on the ancient Greek comedy by Aristophanes, taking place in 411 BC.
After twenty years of war between Athens and Sparta, there seems as little prospect of peace as ever. A desperate situation demands a desperate remedy, and Lysistrata comes up with a unique solution for the challenge.
The women of Athens, led by Lysistrata and supported by female delegates from the other states of Hellas, determine to take matters into their own hands and force the men to stop the war. They meet in solemn conclave, and Lysistrata expounds her scheme, the rigorous application to husbands and lovers of a self-denying ordinance: "We must refrain from the male altogether." Every wife and mistress is to refuse all sexual favours whatsoever, till the men have come to terms of peace. They are to be passive and take no more part in the amorous game than they are absolutely obliged to. By these means Lysistrata assures them they will very soon gain their end. "If we sit indoors prettily dressed out in our best transparent silks and prettiest gewgaws, and all nicely depilated, they will be able to deny us nothing." Such is the burden of her advice.
After no little demure, this plan of campaign is adopted, and the assembled women take a solemn oath to observe the pact faithfully. Before long the advice of the bold Lysistrata proves entirely effective, peace is concluded, and the play ends with the hilarious festivities of the Athenian and Spartan people in celebration of the event.
Pablo Picasso illustrated with 6 etchings the revised version of the play done by Gilbert Seldes. Created in 1934 and executed with very precise, delicate etched lines, this work exemplifies Picasso’s mastery of the etching as a medium and his ability to convey symbolism and narrative.
The 6 titles in the Lysistrata suite are:
- Le serment des femmes
- Couple et enfant
- Cinésias et Myrrhine
- Deux vieillards et voilier
- Accord entre les guerriers de Sparte et d'Athènes (Le paix)
- Le Festin
Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Artwork ships unframed unless otherwise arranged. Please contact us if you need shipping the artwork framed.
