Lithograph from the series "347 engravings", Arches veline paper, dimensions : 19 x 26 cm in light double passe-partout, 30 x 38 cm in framed passe-partout, limited edition, unnumbered, date of creation of the engraving "4.10.68. l.g.
Pablo Picasso's series of works titled "347 Engravings" is a collection of engravings created by the artist in a very short period of time, between March 16 and October 5, 1968, when the artist was 87 years old, and is one of the most remarkable and prolific undertakings in his late oeuvre. The series consists of 347 engravings and etchings that Picasso created in just seven months, an astonishing achievement considering his age.
During this period of his life, Picasso felt absolutely free of any conventions or expectations. He was free to create what he wanted, in whatever way he felt most appropriate.
The series is full of bold, often provocative erotic scenes that explore human sexuality and the act of voyeurism. Picasso often depicted himself as an observer, sometimes a clown or an old man who admires young, beautiful models. This is a reflection of his own relationships with younger women despite his age.
Picasso's series 347, because of its subject matter and form, received a mixed and often controversial reception, both among critics and the public. At the time, even though Picasso was already an established artist, this openness and directness, especially for someone of his age, shocked and outraged many viewers. Some critics interpreted the works as a sign of an old man's obsession with sex and youth, and even accused Picasso of misogyny.
In some circles, the series was seen as an example of degenerate art, unresponsive to "serious" social or artistic themes.
The 347 series is considered one of the key works of Picasso's late period, demonstrating his enduring vitality, creativity and mastery of printmaking.
