Picasso - Pillow Case - Bouquet of Peace (1958)

Decorative pillow case featuring a  painting of Picasso representing two hands holding a bouquet of flowers © Succession Picasso Fleurs et Mains" (1958).

Picasso's print is variously titled "Bouquet of Peace," "Hands with Flowers," "Hands with Bouquet," "Flowers and Hands," or any other variation on those words. Originally a watercolor drawing, Picasso subsequently printed the picture as a color lithograph. He created it for a peace demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden in 1958.

This "Bouquet of Peace" shows his desire for people to join together in love and harmony.  The brightly colored flowers convey a sense of hope and rebirth, and the bouquet forms a bond between two individuals symbolized by the two hands displayed within the piece.   The simplicity of the forms not only represents Picasso's desire for childlike innocence in his art, but also symbolizes the purity and openness needed to get along with others in peace.

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter and sculptor, known to be one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. His style is characterized by his free spirit, eccentric style, and complete disregard for criticism to his work. His modern approach to painting was considered to be far ahead of his time. Picasso was arguably the first artist to have such a profound impact on the art world.