Authorized 1970 Miniature Bronze Picasso Sculpture-Chicago Daley Plaza, by Handiguild

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A striking authorized 1970 miniature reproduction of Pablo Picasso’s iconic monumental sculpture in Chicago’s Daley Plaza, produced by Handiguild Inc. … Read more A striking authorized 1970 miniature reproduction of Pablo Picasso’s iconic monumental sculpture in Chicago’s Daley Plaza, produced by Handiguild Inc. with the authorization of the Chicago Public Building Commission.

Handiguild was an American maker of sculptural and commemorative objects active during this period. This finely constructed bronze miniature was created only three years after the original Chicago Picasso was unveiled and faithfully translates its extraordinary Cubist silhouette, layered planes and openwork construction into an intimate tabletop scale.

The reverse bears both official impressed copyright marks: “© 1967 Pub. Bldg. Comm. Chgo.” and “© Handiguild Inc. 1970.” These dual markings establish it as an authorized period reproduction associated with the Public Building Commission—not a later, unlicensed decorative copy.

Picasso’s 50-foot Cor-Ten steel sculpture was commissioned for Chicago’s Civic Center—now the Richard J. Daley Center—with the involvement of architect William Hartmann of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Picasso famously declined payment and presented the monumental work as a gift to the people of Chicago. It was the city’s first major commissioned public artwork and remains one of Chicago’s most recognizable cultural landmarks.

With its rich, naturally aged bronze patina and remarkably graphic profile, this miniature has the presence of a small architectural maquette. An exceptional piece of Chicago history, mid-century design and Picasso-related ephemera for a desk, bookshelf, console or collected modern interior. See less