Pablo Picasso

Estate of Dora Maar (sold: Piasa, Paris, Les Picasso de Dora Maar, 27th October 1998, lot 27)
Purchased at the above sale by the present owner

Arles, Musée Réattu, Picasso: dessin, gouache et aquarelle, 1957, no. 64, illustrated in the catalogue
Paris, Musée Picasso & Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria, Picasso - Dora Maar. Il faisait tellement noir, 2006, no. 30, illustrated in colour in the catalogue

Roland Penrose, Portrait of Picasso, London, 1956, no. 166, illustrated p. 64 (as dating from 1944)
James Lord, Picasso & Dora: A Memoir, 1993, illustrated between pp. 120 and 121
'In Praise of Gossip', in Art Review, February 1994, illustrated p. 24

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down, hinged to the mount on the reverse of all four corners, floating in the mount. The sheet has slightly darkened with time. Apart from a horizontal flattened crease running parallel to the left side of the top edge, a very small diagonal flattened crease in the lower left corner, and some very small nicks and spots of paper skinning at the extreme edges, this work is in good condition. Colours: In comparison to the printed catalogue illustration, the paper tone is much softer and the pencil is stronger in the original.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Although this work was executed around 1937, Picasso signed it and dedicated it to Dora Maar on the day of her forty-third birthday, on 22nd November 1950. Her beautiful features that Picasso greatly admired – her flowing chestnut hair, straight nose, strong chin, and above all her penetrating eyes – are combined here with a serene, contemplative mood.

Fig. 1, Portrait of Dora Maar, Paris, 1956. Photograph by Lee Miller, showing the present work on the wall.