Pablo Picasso 1881–1975, Jacqueline from the *Toros y Toreros* series, 1961

Color lithograph, dimensions 38 x 27 cm within a double mat, mounted in a frame measuring 53 x 43 cm; dated “10.3.59” XII, on the plate, p.g.; On the reverse, a seal reading “Scc Pablo Picasso.” A lithograph from the “Toros y Toreros” series, from the first French edition of 1961, published with the artist’s permission and during his lifetime.
Published by Éditions Cercle d’Art, Paris (copyright).
(Cercle d'Art, Paris, was founded in 1949 by Charles Feld and Mourlot typographer Fernand Chenot at the initiative of Pablo Picasso. One of the first lithographs produced by Cercle d'Art was a series of 29 drawings by Picasso.)

Pablo Picasso, an outstanding Spanish painter, sculptor, and printmaker, was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His work, characterized by a diversity of styles and techniques, had an enormous impact on the development of modern art. Picasso was a co-founder of Cubism and also experimented with Surrealism and Expressionism. He was also known for his turbulent personal life and numerous relationships with women, who often served as muses for his work.

Jacqueline Roque, Picasso’s last wife, was not only his life partner but also his muse and inspiration. Their relationship, despite a significant age difference, was full of passion. Fascinated by her beauty, personality, and temperament, Picasso dedicated many of his works to her. Jacqueline was a woman of strong character, the embodiment of femininity, strength, and an artistic soul—qualities that fascinated Picasso and influenced his work.
To him, Jacqueline was

Pablo Picasso met Jacqueline Roque in 1952 in Vallauris, where she worked in a ceramics studio. At the time, Picasso was 70 and Jacqueline was 26. Their relationship began while Picasso was still married to Françoise Gilot, with whom he had two children.
Jacqueline Roque was Pablo Picasso’s second wife. His first wife was Olga Khokhlova, a Russian ballerina, with whom Picasso had a son, Paulo. He also had an open relationship with the model and muse Marie-Thérèse, and later with Françoise Gilot, who bore him two children.

After Olga Khokhlova’s death in 1961, Picasso married Jacqueline Roque.
Pablo Picasso and Jacqueline Roque had no children together. Picasso had four children from his marriage and previous relationships.
After Picasso’s death in 1973, Jacqueline Roque became his principal heir. She inherited a vast collection of his works, as well as his estate. After Picasso’s death, Jacqueline devoted herself to preserving and promoting his work. She died in 1986.