Descripción
Neither this poster nor its motif has been reproduced in any other poster. At the request of the Gaspar brothers, Miquel and Joan, Picasso made two lithographs to be used in the composition of a poster advertising the exhibition of their works at the Sala Gaspar, which was to be held in April 1961. In addition, Picasso made another lithograph especially for the cover of the catalogue. The design of both, based on the combination of a drawing with a text handwritten by Picasso, uses the motif of a group of three people, all facing each other, looking outwards and raising their glasses in a toast, so that Picasso makes the spectator take part in the celebration.
The drawing on the poster, done in arabesques and enriched with chiaroscuro, is colourful. The interesting thing about this creation is the way in which the Master has profiled each of the three characters differently, making one of them point with his finger, either as a warning, or in mockery, or perhaps asking someone to be careful.
This exhibition was organized by the Gaspar brothers to celebrate Picasso’s eightieth birthday. It included, despite official opposition to Picasso, the first exhibition in Spain of 72 works, including two portraits of his close friend and secretary, Jaume Sabartés, which Picasso had made in 1889.
On that same occasion two other important events took place: the presentation of the book ‘Picasso i Catalunya’ by Jaume i Fabre, and the donation by the Sala Gaspar of an edition of five beautiful posters reproducing Picasso’s masterpieces, under the auspices of the Picasso Museum in Barcelona.
