Pablo Gargallo

Mrs. Diego Suarez
Evelyn Marshall Field Suarez, Long Island
Acquired from the above by the present owner in 1980

Rough finished metal. There are some light surface scratches and wear in places, consistent with age and handling, or perhaps consistent with the artist's working technique. Some light rusting is visible, especially to the rim of the hat and back of the head. This work has undergone a restoration to adjust the work to its original state under the direct supervision of Jean Anguera, the grandson of the artist: the left border of the hat has been readjusted, as well as straightening the man's profile. There is a small repair to the figure's chin. Otherwise, this work is in overall good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Picador is a compelling expression of the Cubist aesthetic in three dimensions, as well as an example of the integral role Spanish artists had in the development of Modernism. Although classically trained, after a visit to Paris in 1907 Gargallo began to work with sheets of copper, lead or hammered iron and his style was transformed. As the present lot aptly demonstrates, this style consists of the definition of volume through negative space created by curved, flat surfaces with detailing and features superimposed on those surfaces as linear elements.

Similarly to Joan Miró, who briefly attended his Parisian workshop at 45 Rue Blomet in the early 1920s, Gargallo retained his Spanish heritage, as demonstrated by the subject of the offered work, while being closely aligned with the Parisian avant-garde. His works were purchased by the famous Cubist dealer Léonce Rosenburg and he made portrait heads of Pablo Picasso and Kiki de Montparnasse, examples of which can be seen in the Pompidou Centre. The open form of his sculptures has been an influence on artists such as César and Julio Gonzalèz and in 1985 the Museo Pablo Gargallo, devoted exclusively to his work, opening in the Palacio de Argillo in Saragossa. Picador is an important example of European Modernism, as evidenced by the acquisition of another version by the Museum of Modern Art, New York in 1934.