Pablo Picasso

Five etchings, four with soft-ground, aquatint and engraving, 1938, very rare proofs of the first, second, fifth, eighth and ninth states (of ten), each on Montval paper, except the first printed on grey chine appliqué mounted on Montval, the full sheets, in good condition (5 prints)

The prints are in good condition as catalogued. The second state has two small areas of adhesive remains at the upper right sheet corner and at right sheet edge. The fifth has a small fox mark in the lower margin, away from the image, and a few smudged finger prints in the upper right margin which occurred during the printing process. The ninth with a pencil signature in the lower margin not attributable to the artist, with a small, very slightly rubbed area to the left and not in the image.
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 first state is one of 15 proofs. The second state is perhaps one of only two examples, the other being owned by the Musée Picasso in Paris. The fifth state is thought to be the unique proof. In the eighth state, of which there are four proofs, additional work was done with scraper and burin. There were approximately 17 proofs of the ninth state.

Provenance:
Estate of Pablo Picasso
The first four ex coll. Marina Picasso (not in Lugt)
R.S. Johnson Fine Art, Chicago
Acquired by the present owner from the above