Pablo Picasso (1881–1973)

Title: Cavalier on Horseback, His Valet, La Célestine and Nude

(La Célestine avec une femme, un cavalier et son valet / Femmes Toréador)

Medium: Original linocut in brown ink on Arches wove paper

Date: Mougins, December 1968

Printer: Hidalgo Arnéra, Vallauris

Publisher: Galerie Madoura, Vallauris & Cannes

Edition: H.C. 231/450, hand-numbered in pencil; folded as a New Year’s card for 1969

Image size: 11 x 17 cm | Folded paper size: 14.5 x 21.5 cm (landscape format)

Catalogue References: Bloch 1462; Baer 1854; Met 1985; Munster 2011.80; Orozco 563

This charming original linocut was specially created by Picasso as a New Year’s greeting card for 1969 on behalf of Suzanne and Georges Ramié, founders of the celebrated Galerie Madoura in Vallauris. The work features a whimsical yet refined arrangement of figures: a cavalier on horseback, his valet, the iconic character La Célestine, and a reclining nude—a nod to Picasso’s fascination with archetypes and narrative interplay.

The verso bears printed text:

“LINOGRAPHIE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO / Spécialement gravée par l’auteur à l’intention des amis de Suzanne et Georges RAMIÉ.”

Inside, a printed greeting reads:

“Avec les meilleurs compléments et tous les vœux de Madoura pour 1968 / Le Plan - Vallauris - Galerie Madoura - Cannes.”

This example is further distinguished by a personal inscription in blue biro from Suzanne Ramié herself:

“Nos remerciements et notre excellent souvenir – S. Ramie.”

In addition to this unsigned edition of 450 H.C. copies, there exists a signed and numbered edition of 125 impressions before the printed text, along with a small number of trial proofs. A ceramic version of the same composition was also produced.

Public Collections:

Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, Geneva

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

This linocut stands as a testament to Picasso’s ongoing collaboration with the Ramiés and his late-career mastery of the linocut medium, blending classical reference with modernist energy in a festive, intimate format.