Portrait of Pierre Reverdy (Portrait de Pierre Reverdy)

The Portrait of Pierre Reverdy (Portrait de Pierre Reverdy) is a penetrating print created by Pablo Picasso in 1921, formally published the following year in 1922. This etching captures the likeness of the influential French poet Pierre Reverdy, a critical figure in the literary spheres surrounding Cubism and Surrealism, and a long-time acquaintance of the Spanish artist.

The work signals Picasso’s sustained commitment to classicism during the post-WWI era, often termed his Neoclassical period. Departing from the fragmented, multi-perspective compositions of his earlier Cubist experiments, Picasso returned here to an emphasis on contour, volume, and clarity. The medium of etching facilitates this focus; rather than employing heavy tonal variations, Picasso meticulously uses clean, parallel lines to define Reverdy’s features and the simple structure of his jacket. The resulting drawing possesses a sculptural presence, reminiscent of ancient busts, lending the contemporary subject an air of historical permanence.

The print eschews detailed setting or background, concentrating entirely on the psychological intensity of the sitter. Reverdy’s pensive expression and direct gaze anchor the composition, showcasing Picasso’s mastery of draftsmanship even in the demanding technical process of etching. The finished piece demonstrates the versatility of the artist, proving his ability to apply the rigorous economy of line to produce compelling portraits, a key component of modern art prints.

As a significant example of early 1920s portraiture by Picasso, the artwork highlights the close relationship between the visual arts and contemporary literature of the time. This specific impression is housed within the renowned collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), ensuring its status as a vital reference point for scholars studying the artist’s output during the period spanning 1921, published 1922.