Pablo PicassoTete de Jeune Fille. Head of a Girl. Portrait of Francoise. 1947.

Original lithograph drawn with wash, pen, crayon and scraper in black ink.  March 1947. Signed in pencil. Inscribed in pencil. Inscribed in pencil by Leiris as 'Epreuve d'Artiste' - one of only 5 artist's proofs before the the issued edition of 50. Drawn and printed at the Atelier Mourlot on March 3rd, 1947.

Reference: Mourlot - Picasso lithographs no 68. Bloch - Picasso L'Oeuvre Grave no 423.

Guse Rau- Picasso Lithographs no 168.

Note:  Picasso went through seven stages of alterations to the work on the plate before he was finally satisfied. This is the final completed state (state 4).

Provenance: Private Collection, Switzerland. Originally acquired direct from Galerie Leiris who were Picasso's agents (1960's). Also with Leiris stock number and comment 'Bloch 423' (added later) on the reverse.

Superb extremely rich and dramatic tonal impression. On pale cream wove Arches paper,  Extremely fine condition as never previously framed or mounted; stored in flat in portfolio. Sheet; 655 x 500 mm. Image overall: 49.5 x 39.8 mm.  19 1/2 x 15 5/8 ins.

 A superb impression of a great masterwork with a perfect provenance.