Christie's London is showcasing a focused group of 31 Pablo Picasso prints as part of its "Prints & Multiples" program, with the lot expected to reach between £2.8 million and £4.1 million. The selection brings together works that reflect Picasso's constant experimentation with printmaking and his enduring market appeal.
Among the highlights are three portraits of Jacqueline Roque, Picasso's second wife and final partner. The earliest, Profil de Jacqueline au foulard (1955), is considered especially rare and is estimated at £30,000 to £40,000. Christie's notes that the linocut was never formally published and stands out for its striking, pared-back image of Roque.
Another key work, Portrait de Jacqueline I, II, III & IV (1956), was created using four blocks and was intended for an unrealized poetry book. Only three examples were made, making it one of the most elusive pieces in the group. The final portrait, Portrait de Jacqueline accoudée (1959), shows Picasso refining his reductive linocut method, layering black and white to build depth and contrast.
Christie's prints department continues to see strong global interest in the category. In 2025, the auction house recorded $70 million in print sales worldwide, underscoring how works on paper remain a dynamic part of the contemporary art market. This sale also reflects the growing appreciation for Picasso's technical range beyond painting.
As collectors increasingly value rarity, process, and historical context, such focused sales may help shape the next chapter of the international art market.
