Reality and Abstraction: Picasso's Female Portrait Studies

The Norton Simon Museum presents Reality and Abstraction: Picasso's Female Portrait Studies,  an exhibition of forty lithographs and linocuts by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). A selection of the Spanish artist's depictions of female models and lovers, the works span the 20-year period which began in 1945 with Picasso's emerging fascination with the lithographic process. This exhibit demonstrates his continuing experimentation in his treatment of the human countenance, his new interest in lithography, and later innovations with linoleum cuts.

Picasso experimented in every medium, and in the field of graphics he excelled in creating and mastering new techniques. Because of this, he is considered to be one the four great graphic artists in history, ranking alongside Durer, Rembrandt, and Goya. No other artists produced so many works, including nearly 3000 graphics.