Common to both compositions are the the symbols of: a horse, a bullfighter, a sailor, a curtain, a ladder, an angel and a dog.
In addition, in one of the preparatory studies for the curtain, shown above, Picasso depicts a ladder surmounted by a star. This is a classic symbol for the stages of the alchemical process and its ultimate goal or attainment.
This important alchemical symbol is related to a range of other alchemical motifs and symbols which are revealed in The Unknown Masterpiece.
For more detailed information please refer to the following sections.
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