Lot 27

In good condition with no visible signs of repair, sheet affixed along top edge to matting, overall discolouration to paper distinct from the border which has been covered by the matting (only visible when unframed), watermark for Richard De Bas to lower right corner below signature (only visible when unframed). (82 x 70.5cm framed)


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.

Galerie Michael, California, USA 1997 (label verso)
The Estate of Irena Nebenzahl, Sydney

Bloch, G., Pablo Picasso, catalogue de l'oeuvre gravé et lithographié, Kornfeld and Klipstein, Berne, 1968, v. I, no. 276
Geiser, B. & Baer, B., Picasso: Peintre-Graveur, Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre gravé et des monotypes, Kornfeld, Berne, 1986-1996, no. 417
Palau I Fabre, J., Picasso: Del Minotaur al Guernika (1927-1939), Ediciones Polígrafa, Barcelona, 2011, vol. 4, no. 589

Marie-Thérèse was the inspiration for many of Picasso's greatest works and the story of their first encounter and subsequent love affair is among the most compelling in 20th century art history. For Picasso, Marie-Thérèse offered a combination of the lover, the model, and the goddess, and she was cast in many roles throughout his body of work. The present lot is an intimate yet confronting portrait depicting her gazing directly at the viewer. Similarities can be seen in the composition to the later 1937 painting by Picasso of Marie-Thérèse in a Red Beret.