Description

 

Picasso, Pablo (1881 – 1973)

Superb presentation copy incorporating an original illustration by Picasso

A fabulous signed and inscribed book by Picasso, incorporating an attractive original drawing by the artist, being a soft cover edition of Les quatre petites filles, a play by Picasso, published by Editions Gallimard, Paris, 1968, and bound in cream paper wrappers printed in red and black. Signed and inscribed in bold black ink by Picasso to the half-title page with a presentation inscription in French to François Hugo (Picasso playfully jumbling the letters of his friend´s surname in an artistic mirror-like effect, although also attaining a subtle phonetic sequence), ‘François UgoH, Son Ami, Picasso’, also adding the date, 17th February 1971 in his hand. Picasso has also added a wonderful original drawing in his hand, which stretches almost the entire length of the page and incorporates elements of Cubism, with spiralling circles, dots and lines, and what could possibly be interpreted as species of arthropods. Original drawings executed and signed by Picasso are highly desirable, and the present example is enhanced by an excellent association. In very fine condition.

François Hugo (1899-1981) French goldsmith, the great-grandson of French writer Victor Hugo, and an artistic collaborator with Picasso from 1956, particularly in the creation of silver plates (which were exhibited at the Galerie Matignon in 1977) and other precious metal pieces.

Les quatre petites filles (‘The Four Little Girls’) is a play in six acts by Pablo Picasso written between 1947 and 1948 and first published in 1949. It is the second of two full-length plays written by the artist and uses a stream of consciousness narrative style. Many critics believe that Picasso never meant for the play to be staged, only read.

Provenance: Previously with Jean-Édouard Gautrot of Les Argonautes, Paris, and accompanied by a photocopy of their letter of authenticity, 1st February 1990.