Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973)Avant la pique, I, 1959, proof impression outside of the edition of 50, printed by Imprimerie Arnéra, Vallauris, published by Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris, in 1960 (Bloch, 946; Baer, 1220.II.A). Unsigned, stamped "NON SIGNÉ IMPRIMERIE ARNÉRA ARCHIVES" on verso. Linocut in black, brown, and tan on wove paper, image size 6 1/2 x 8 7/8 in. (16.4 x 22.5 cm), framed.
Condition: Deckled upper edge, image gently light-struck, ink and fingerprints to margins, pencil annotations l.r. and to verso, the registration of the brown ink is slightly askew.
Provenance: Purchased from Galerie Michael, Beverly Hills, by the current owner.
N.B. The certificate, which accompanies the lot, from Galerie Michael notes, "...Baer records only one [proof] impression, which was dedicated to Arnéra; as our impression has not been dedicated at least one more impression must have been printed and not seen by Baer." One might surmise that this impression was not counted due to its imperfect registration.
Condition
Condition: The sheet measures 13 1/4 x 20 1/8 in.
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