Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), "Le Vieux Bouffon" (The Old Jester)

Color lithograph on Arches Velin paper, 47 x 38 cm (inner dimensions of the mat), 67 x 58 cm (dimensions with mat), signed and dated on the plate “Picasso 26.1.58,” the inscription “Bon à tirer” (Ready for printing) and a facsimile of Picasso’s signature.
This lithograph bearing the inscription “Bon à Tirer” is featured in the Catalogue Raisonné *Picasso Lithographe*, published by André Sauret and printed by the legendary Parisian printing house Mourlot Frères.
This lithograph is a rare documentary piece from André Sauret’s prestigious edition, produced at the famous Mourlot Frères studio in Paris. It is a facsimile of the historic “Bon à tirer” proof, capturing an authentic record of the moment when Pablo Picasso approved his vision of “The Old Clown” for printing.
The 1958 work (created when Picasso was 77 years old) is a tribute to the joy of creation. The colorful dots in the background, reminiscent of confetti, and the light, almost calligraphic line, reveal an artist who, after years of struggle (the “Minotaur” phase), found within himself the peace and detachment of an “old master-jester.” If the Minotaur was the embodiment of Picasso’s strength and instinct, then the Jester was his spiritual mirror. In the tradition of painting, the jester is the only person at court who can speak the truth straight to the king’s face, hiding it behind a mask of jest. Picasso saw this as his role—that of an observer who stands on the sidelines of society but sees it more clearly than others.
This 1958 work (created when Picasso was 77) is a tribute to the joy of creation. The colorful dots in the background, reminiscent of confetti, and the light, almost calligraphic lines reveal an artist who, after years of struggle (the “Minotaur” phase), found within himself the peace and detachment of an “old master joker.”
The frame shown in the images is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a commercial offer.