Pablo Picasso

Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris
Collection particulière, Etats-Unis
Collection particulière, Europe

Christian Zervos, Pablo Picasso, Paris, 1973, vol. XXVII, no. 244, reproduit p. 97
Alan Wofsy Fine Arts (ed.), The Picasso Project, Picasso's Paintings, Watercolours, Drawings and Sculpture : The Sixties III 1968-1969, San Francisco, 2003, no. 68-076, reproduit p. 23

Executed on cream laid paper, not laid down. The edges of the sheet are slightly irregular. There are seven very small repaired tears to the sheet, all along the edges. This work remains in very 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. 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."

signed 'Picasso' and dated '26.2.68 I' (upper right), pencil and charcoal on paper. Executed on 26th February 1968.

Cette élégante scène figurant un mousquetaire saluant une courtisane en présence d'une vieille femme, exécutée en février 1968, préfigure les 347 gravures sur le thème de La Célestine que l'artiste exposera à la Galerie Louise Leiris. Entre mai et septembre 1968, en effet, Picasso pris d'une véritable fièvre de création travaille à l'illustration de ce célèbre livre de Fernando de Rojas, thème typiquement espagnol qui montre l'entremetteuse aux prises avec des aventuriers courtisant et enlevant la jeune femme dont elle a la garde. Les scène galantes, le retour à l'Espagne du siècle d'or, l'aspect chevaleresque et courtois, parfois grivois, de ce thème lui fournissent un terrain de choix comme en atteste déjà cette composition.