Frederick Mulder, a well-known art dealer and expert on Pablo Picasso, has donated three additional Picasso pieces to the University of Saskatchewan. In 2012, Mulder initiated the collection at the university by donating six original Picasso linocut prints, making it the largest public collection of Picasso linocuts in the country. The collection now stands at nine pieces and is surpassed only by the Remai Modern in Saskatoon, which houses an even larger collection of Picasso linocuts also acquired by Mulder from the Picasso estate. Mulder, who grew up in Saskatchewan, is proud to have his collection housed in his home province.
Mulder’s new additions to the collection were created by Picasso between 1931 and 1955. These pieces include “Harpy with Head of a Bull” and “Four Little Girls on a Tower Surmounted by a Black Flag” from the Vollard Suite in 1931, “Profile of Jacqueline with a Scarf” from 1955, and “Balzac” from 1952. Each linocut captures unique moments in Picasso’s life, such as the depiction of Picasso’s partner at the time in the etching from the Vollard Suite. Mulder’s associate, Anne-Francois Gavanon, who assisted in collecting Picasso’s works, highlighted the significance of each piece in representing different periods in Picasso’s artistic career.
Despite living in England since 1968, Mulder has always remained connected to his roots in Saskatchewan. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1964 and went on to pursue further studies at Brown University and Oxford University. Mulder has become a prominent figure in the art world and is known for his expertise in Picasso’s work. He believes that the University of Saskatchewan is the perfect home for his collection, as it is now considered to be the finest collection of Picasso linocuts in the world.
USask President Peter Stoicheff expressed his gratitude for Mulder’s donation, stating that the new pieces greatly enhance the university’s art collection and will be enjoyed by generations of students, staff, faculty, and community members. Stoicheff commended Mulder for his generosity and philanthropic efforts, both as an art dealer and a donor. Mulder’s contributions to the arts have made a lasting impact on the university and the local community, solidifying his legacy as a leading figure in the art world.
Mulder’s donation of Picasso pieces to the University of Saskatchewan demonstrates his dedication to preserving and sharing the work of one of the world’s most iconic artists. The addition of these new pieces to the collection further solidifies the university’s status as a hub for Picasso enthusiasts and art lovers. Mulder’s passion for Picasso’s work and commitment to his home province of Saskatchewan are evident in his generous contributions, which will continue to enrich the cultural landscape of the region for years to come.
