A Picasso paper collage of 1913–14: assessment of fragility and sensitivity to light

Abstract The construction and present condition of Picasso’s Bottle of Vieux Marc, Glass, Guitar and Newspaper 1913, in the Tate collection since 1961, are described. Technical examination, materials analysis and microfading have been carried out on both the support and the collage elements, which include handmade paper, two elements made from broderie anglaise pattern pieces ironed onto paper, damaged water-resistant flock wallpaper and old newsprint. These indicate that the collage is not poorly constructed, but is sensitive to light as was expected, especially the support, pattern pieces and wallpaper. Based on the microfading, the current display recommendation for light exposure is 12 months in 4 years, which is half the exposure recommended for typical works on paper at Tate, at 50–80 lx without ultraviolet light.