A prolific printmaker, Picasso worked at different times in a variety of techniques - lithography, linocut, etching, drypoint, monotype - producing more than 2500 plates throughout his life. This volume presents a selection of these prints from the collection at the Musee Picasso in Paris, exploring Picasso's fascination with the art of printmaking and the role it played in his work, life and fantasies. The author examines and discusses the prints themselves in order to elucidate their themes, sources, iconography and techniques. The catalogue accompanies an exhibition at the Musee Picasso and at The Metropolitan Museum in New York. The author has also produced a seven-volume catalogue raisonne of Picasso's prints, Picasso peinte-graveur.

Based on an exhibition held in 1996 at the Musée Picasso, Paris, entitled, "Picasso - gravures 1900-1942."
Catalog of an exhibition held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Sept. 18 - Dec. 21, 1997.
Translated from the French by Iain Watson and Judith Schub -- title page verso.
Exhibition title: Picasso the engraver.

A stream of pre-consciousness --
The hand, the manner --
Exhibition checklist.