Cravates de chanvre

Cravates de chanvre by Pablo Picasso is a rare and historically significant illustrated book, created in 1921 and formally published in 1922. This volume underscores the Spanish artist’s dedicated involvement in the livre d'artiste tradition, where graphic arts and literature converge. Classified specifically as an illustrated book featuring one etching, the work demonstrates Picasso’s mastery of various mediums beyond painting during this pivotal time in his career, marked by the stylistic fluidity between Neoclassicism and Cubism.

The incorporation of an original etching showcases the meticulous technique required for early 20th-century printmaking. Unlike mass-produced works, this limited-edition nature highlights the unique value placed on the prints created directly by the artist for the publication. As a central figure in European modernism, Picasso often collaborated with contemporary writers and poets, thereby cementing the illustrated book as a crucial vehicle for artistic dialogue. The specific dating, 1921, published 1922, situates this work precisely during the post-WWI era when avant-garde aesthetics were rapidly evolving.

This work resides in the esteemed collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, where it serves as an important document of the artist's graphic output and the history of the modern illustrated book. Although the volume originated from the European cultural sphere, reflecting Picasso's long residency in France, its classification as a Spanish work acknowledges the artist's heritage and influence. Studying the physical characteristics of the edition is vital, especially as historical works like these transition; elements of the artist’s early graphic output have begun to enter the public domain, fostering wider academic analysis of Picasso's prolific printmaking career.