Landau Fine Art Presents Picasso’s Iconic Les Dormeurs at TEFAF Maastricht

Picasso’s Les Dormeurs

A Crown Jewel of 20th Century Masterworks

Maastricht, NL – Landau Fine Art will unveil Les Dormeurs, one of Pablo Picasso’s most celebrated and innovative late masterpieces, as the centerpiece of its exhibition at the prestigious TEFAF fair (The European Fine Art Foundation). The exhibition will open in Maastricht on March 15. With a price tag exceeding US$50 million, this monumental painting exemplifies the gallery’s commitment to presenting the finest and most significant works of 20th-century art, as well as TEFAF Maastricht’s reputation as a leading destination for 20th-century art and design.

EHIBITION HISTORY

Les Dormeurs holds a distinguished place, not only in Picasso’s legacy, but also in the history of modern art. Chosen by Picasso’s esteemed and long-time dealer, Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, to hang behind his desk, this extraordinary painting went on to become a symbol of Picasso’s genius. It featured prominently in interviews and exhibitions, including Picasso’s seminal 1971.

Retrospective at the Louvre, one of the rare occasions when the Mona Lisa was relocated to make way for another piece.

This iconic work has been exhibited in some of the most important cultural institutions worldwide, including the Louvre, Stedelijk Museum, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Tate, Centre Pompidou, and Museu Picasso.

Exploring Picasso’s deep connection with his muse

Created during Picasso’s late, prolific years, Les Dormeurs explores the profound emotional and intellectual connection between artist and muse. The painting captures the essence of his bond with Jacqueline, blending the roles of observer and subject into a singular, unified presence. The painting exemplifies Picasso’s trademark fusion of sensuality, creativity, and a poignant reflection on the passage of time.

“Les Dormeurs is an outstanding example of Picasso’s later works – raw, urgent, and full of creative vigor,” says Robert Landau. “It continues to shape the visual language of contemporary art, influencing movements such as Neo-Expressionism and standing as one of Picasso’s most enduring achievements.”

Pablo Picasso, Les Dormeurs,1965.
©Courtesy of Landau Fine Art

A defining highlight of TEFAF Maastricht 2025

Originally part of Kahnweiler’s esteemed collection, Les Dormeurs stands as a testament to Picasso’s artistic vision. As the centerpiece of Landau Fine Art’s presentation at TEFAF, Les Dormeurs is set to be one of the most highly anticipated highlights of the fair, reaffirming Picasso’s enduring influence and legacy.

TEFAF continues to be a premier platform for 20th-century art, showcasing some of the finest works available in the market. Approximately one-third of the fair, up to 90 galleries, is dedicated to 20th-century art and design. This strong representation of 20th-century works—arguably the best in the world—highlights the fair’s commitment to this significant artistic period.

ABOUT TEFAF MAASTRICHT

TEFAF Maastricht is widely regarded as the world’s premier fair for fine art, antiques, and design, covering 7,000 years of art history, from ancient to contemporary. Featuring over 270 prestigious dealers from some 22 countries, TEFAF Maastricht is a showcase for the finest artworks currently on the market. Alongside the traditional areas of Old Master paintings, antiques, and classical antiquities that cover approximately half of the fair, you can also find modern and contemporary art, photography, jewelry, 20th-century design, and works on paper.

ABOUT LANDAU FINE ART

Montreal, a city of many enticements, had conspicuously lacked a major art gallery of international calibre until the summer of 1987 when Landau Fine Art opened to critical acclaim in the gracious row of greystones known as Passage du Musée.

The creation of Robert Landau, a dynamic businessman, has focused primarily on the great masters of the early to mid twentieth century such as Picasso, Dubuffet, Léger, Giacometti, Jawlensky, Moore and Van Dongen. Although the task of finding these works has become progressively more difficult as the world economy has enjoyed buoyant economic times in recent years, Robert and Alice Landau have laboured hard and travelled extensively to acquire the unique and extraordinary works that hang on their gallery walls. The success of their endeavours is reflected in how frequently the gallery is requested by leading international Museums to loan works for major exhibitions and important retrospectives.

In 2002, Robert Landau, who is the only current Canadian member of the prestigious French Syndicat National des Antiquaires, was given the singular honour of being named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture and Communication, Jean-Jacques Aillagon, following the gallery visit of President and Mrs. Jacques Chirac at Paris’ Biennale des Antiquaires. At any given moment, the Landau collection includes many historical