Pablo Picasso

Estate of the artist
Marina Picasso Collection
Private Collection (acquired from the above and sold: Sotheby's, London, February 8, 2006, lot 129)
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

This lot was exhibited in 9 exhibitions starting in Venice in 1991 and ending in Geneva and New York in 2001-02. Please see Sothebys.com for complete exhibition information.

Arnold Glimcher and Marc Glimcher (ed.), Je suis le cahier: The Sketchbooks of Picasso, New York, 1986, nos. 43 & 44, illustrated p. 46 (recto) & no. 45, illustrated p. 47 (verso)

Executed on cream wove sketchbook paper, not laid down, and attached to the double-sided mount. The paper is perforated at the edges, which is original to the artist's sketchbook; there is a centre seam with pin-holes that have widened slightly, all associated with the original binding. There is some time staining mostly visible at the edges, as well as a few small scattered spots of discoloration. Overall, this work is in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present work was originally part of a rare and important sketchbook dating from 1905 in which Picasso executed numerous studies for his first major large-scale painting of the Rose period, Famille de Saltimbanques. The sketchbook remained in the artist's possession until his death, whereupon it was inherited by his granddaughter Marina Picasso.

The left side of the recto of the present work is a counterproof of the pen and ink drawing which appears on the right side of the recto.  There is a similar work on the right side of the verso.