Pablo Picasso’s autograph is one of the few ways for art lovers without vast reserves of cash to own an item touched by one of the greatest painters in history.
Values have been rising for decaes.
Let’s take a look at some more of the unique factors affecting the Picasso market.
A trademark
Picasso’s autograph is hugely distinctive.
(Image: Paul Fraser Collectibles)
Iconic.
It is an essential element in his work.
A mark of distinction.
Often, he would weave his signature into the texture of his paintings.
It has always been valuable
Picasso was famous in his own lifetime.
When he wrote a cheque, the recipient would often sell it rather than cash it.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
The fact the cheque had a Picasso signature made it more valuable than the amount payable.
He could also pay for meals by drawing a little something on a napkin.
Picasso liked to say that people didn’t buy his paintings.
They bought his signature.
What he meant was that his signature was a guarantee of quality.
Plenty of artists are capable of executing a work in Picasso’s style.
But without that signature, it’s worthless.
It’s relatively affordable
Picasso’s autograph is valuable today.
You can expect to pay in excess of £2,000 for a quality specimen.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Much more if it’s accompanied with a doodle or sketch.
But compare that to prices for his canvases, which change hands for hundreds of millions of dollars.
Picasso's signature is a logo.
But executed in the hand of the artist himself.
For me, there’s an incredible sense of excitement in knowing that this titan of 20th century art signed his name on the page I now hold in my hand.
Just as he did when he finished the final brushstrokes of Guernica, Le Reve and The Weeping Woman.
Paul Fraser.
PS. I have an exceptional Pablo Picasso autograph for sale. Click here to take a look.
