Pablo Picasso

Monotype printed in black and burnt sienna, 1905, signed in red crayon, on Ingres laid paper

Ambroise Vollard, Paris

Private collection

Loudmer, Paris (1988)

Sotheby's, London, 1 December, 1988

Private collection

Christie's, London, 9 December 1999, lot 550

With wide margins, in good condition within subject, though paper tone slightly darkened, a diagonal crease to right of subject, other creases in lower right corner of sheet, some broken through and repaired, a few pinholes, short tears and small paper losses at sheet edges, framed.
"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."

This majestic monotype shows Picasso as one of the greatest experimenters and innovators in the history of printmaking.  According to Brigitte Baer Portrait de femme à la mantille is Picasso’s first known monotype and is also considered to be one of the most significant and complex of his early works in the medium. The work was executed on a sheet of glass before the transfer of the image to the paper, whilst most of his other monotypes were executed on zinc and copper.  Richard Canals was the artist’s friend and instructor in the medium of etching, and the portrait depicts his wife Benedetta Canals (Zervos Vol. I, no 263).