Woman in a Hat with Pompoms and a Printed Blouse

Although Picasso produced his first linoleum cut in 1939, he returned to the medium in 1958, when he realized that it would be impractical to pursue etching or lithography at his studio in the château de Vauvenargues, near Cannes. Picasso was attracted to linoleum for the ease with which he could cut into the supple surface. The artist was frequently inspired by his wife, Jacqueline, who often appears in his work in fanciful hats, such as this straw skimmer.