It is the night before Lent, the season when Catholics fast and abstain from pleasure in order to bring themselves closer to God. But it is Fat Tuesday, Mardis Gras; Ash Wednesday and its suffering are on the other side of the dawn. Tonight is the night for raunch and festivity, for gorging yourself on food and any other indulgences. In this limited print by Picasso, revelers dressed as clowns and harlequins dance drunk beneath stars and fireworks. White linework on a reddish-brown background loops and curls messily, paying homage to the intoxication of the night. The work is in excellent condition and bears a signature and a number 140/160 by the artist.

Carnaval

Pablo Picasso, Spanish (1881–1973)

Date: 1967

Linocut on Arches Paper, signed and numbered in pencil

Edition of 140/160

Image Size: 25 x 20.5 inches

Size: 29.5 x 24.5 in. (74.93 x 62.23 cm)

Frame Size: 42 x 36 inches

Printer: Arnéra, Vallauris

Publisher: Arnéra, Vallauris

Reference: Bloch 1242; Baer 1852