Pablo Picasso

Sale: Christie's, London, June 25, 2014, lot 120
Acquired at the above sale 

Executed on the cream wove paper of the page of a book, folded. The sheet is hinged at two points on the back fold, verso, allowing the sheet to be opened to freely display the printed first page of text of chapter one of Carmen, beginning with `J'avais toujours soupconné les géographes...`. The right edge of the sheet is deckled. The pigments are strong and have not faded remarkably. There is some darkening to the sheet from light and time, as well as some gentle mat burn to the periphery of the worked sheet. The work is good overall 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.

This work is executed on a folio sheet including the frontispiece and opening text of chapter one from the novella Carmen by French dramatist Prosper Mérimée. The frontispiece with Picasso's drawing includes a quote from the 4th century AD Greek poet Palladas (Παλλαδᾶς). The sheet opens to the beginning of the main text of the chapter. Mérimée's Carmen became the basis for Georges Bizet's iconic opera of the same name.