Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), *Jacqueline en Blue*, 1961

Color lithograph, paper 36 x 26 cm (inside the mat), measuring: 47 x 37 cm, dated “10.3.59” and inscribed “VIII pour Jacqueline Reine,” and signed “Picasso” on the plate at the bottom right;
Publisher: Éditions Cercle d’Art, Paris, printed at Atelier Mourlot.
(Cercle d'Art, Paris, was founded by Charles Feld and Mourlot printer Fernand Chenot in 1949 at the initiative of Pablo Picasso. One of the first lithographs produced by Cercle d'Art was a series of 29 drawings by Picasso.)
Jacqueline Roque, Picasso’s last wife, was not only his life partner but also his muse and inspiration. Their relationship, despite a significant age difference, was very strong and passionate. Fascinated by her beauty, personality, and temperament, Picasso dedicated many of his works to her. Jacqueline was a woman with a strong personality and an artistic soul, which fascinated Picasso and influenced his work. To him, Jacqueline was the embodiment of femininity, strength, and independence
The painting “Jacqueline” is one of many examples of Picasso’s fascination with Jacqueline. The artist depicted her as a strong and independent woman capable of mastering the element that is the horse. The composition of the painting is dynamic and full of energy, which underscores Jacqueline’s strength and determination.
Pablo Picasso met Jacqueline Roque in 1952 in Vallauris, where she worked in a ceramics studio. At the time, Picasso was 70 and Jacqueline was 26. Their relationship began while Picasso was still married to Françoise Gilot, with whom he had two children.
Jacqueline Roque was Pablo Picasso’s second wife. His first wife was Olga Khokhlova, a Russian ballerina, with whom Picasso had a son, Paulo. He also had an open relationship with the model and muse Marie-Thérèse, and later with Françoise Gilot, who bore him two children. Pablo Picasso met Jacqueline Roque in 1952 in Vallauris, where she worked in a ceramics studio. At the time, Picasso was 70 and Jacqueline was 26. Their relationship began while Picasso was still in a relationship with Françoise Gilot,
After Olga Khokhlova’s death in 1961, Picasso married Jacqueline Roque. Pablo Picasso and Jacqueline Roque had no children together. Picasso had four children from his marriage and previous relationships.
After Picasso’s death in 1973, Jacqueline Roque became his principal heir. She inherited a vast collection of his works, as well as his estate. After Picasso’s death, Jacqueline devoted herself to preserving and promoting his work. She died in 1986.