Lot 42

Private collection, Sydney

Yoakum, M., Stone Echoes: Original Prints by Françoise Gilot - A Catalogue Raisonné, Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art, Pennsylvania, 1995, cat. no. 107, 108, 109, 110, p. 86 (all illus., another example)

Comprising: (i) Toward Discovery; (ii) Intuition; (iii) Fragile Balance; (iv) Insight

Françoise Gilot, acclaimed artist and author, left an undeniable mark on the world of art and culture before passing away earlier this year at the age of 101. While many headlines depict her as "Pablo Picasso's Muse" or "the only woman to leave Picasso", it is essential to recognise that her life and artistic journey was far more than mere muse-hood. In celebrating her life and legacy we should focus on her incredible achievements, and a career that was fiercely her own without Picasso.

With even a cursory glance at Gilot's story one cannot help but notice a rich vein of self-determination and courage. As an only child she was born into an 'haute bourgeois' family in Paris. Her father was an agronomist, and her mother a ceramicist. As a child, Gilot turned to her parents and said simply, "I want to become a painter…" in a manner that some children might say that they want to become a firefighter. This simple declaration marked the beginning of nearly a century-long journey of artistic exploration.

Following the wishes of her father Gilot pursued a career in law, graduating from Sorbonne University with a bachelor's degree in philosophy at the age of just 17. However, her life took a dramatic turn during World War II when the Germans invaded France in 1940. Reflecting on the impact of this experience, she later said "after (the invasion), I thought, well, you know, I don't know how long we will remain alive. So, I'm going to do what I want." (1)

Gilot's art eclipsed conventional boundaries and mediums, drawing from a diverse array of influences, from classical to avant-garde. She went on to master lithography, with her works marked by bold colours and abstract compositions that invited viewers to feel the complexities of emotion and experience. Her talent and innovation deserve recognition not solely because of her association with Picasso, but because of her exceptional contributions to the world of art.

Throughout her long-filled career, Françoise Gilot exhibited her works worldwide, received numerous accolades, and wrote several acclaimed books, including 'Life with Picasso', from which she received push back from Picasso, along with critics. Despite this, the book became a bestseller and has recently been reissued.

After a career spanning over eight decades, leaving behind important paintings and prints, and her life and artistic talent is only recently being recognised. Picasso may have been a part of her story, but Françoise Gilot's narrative is one of resilience, creativity, and the unyielding pursuit of her artistic vision.
Hannah Ryan, Prints & Multiples Specialist

(1) Smith, H., 'Françoise Gilot, Celebrated Artist, Writer and Muse to Picasso, dies at 101', The Washington Post, 6 June 2023, accessed 4 September 2023: https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/06/06/francoise-gilot-dead-picasso-muse-dead/