Pablo Picasso

Etching, 1904, from La Suite des Saltimbanques, from the edition of  250, printed by Louis Fort, published by Ambroise Vollard, Paris, 1913, on Van Gelder Zonen wove paper

With full margins (a deckle edge on each side), in good condition apart from a few traces of foxmarks in the margins, some slight surface dirt at extreme edges, there is minor horizontal creasing along upper and upper right edge of sheet, very occasional short nicks along upper edge associated with the nature of the deckle edge, small area of pale blue pigment at extreme upper right edge of sheet, very pale tape staining along left edge of sheet just extending to top edge verso, pale pencil inscription associated with previous mounting, a tiny oval stain and further slight surface dirt, 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."

Executed at the end of Picasso's blue period, Le Repas frugal was included in La Suite des Saltimbanques, a set of 15 etchings and drypoints created between 1904-1905. This work is one of the most important prints in Picasso's graphic oeuvre and was only the second work produced by the artist in the field of printmaking.