Pablo PicassoTête de Femme en Blanc sur Fond Noir. Head of a Woman – White on Black. Study of

Original lithograph drawn in white gouache on ink-coated lithographic paper transferred to litho stone. 1949. Signed in pencil. Inscribed as ‘Epreuve d’artiste’ lower left (by Louise Leiris (Kahnweiler) who were Picasso’s agents and publishers of his prints at this date. One of 6 recorded proofs before the issued edition of 50 impressions.

Reference: Mourlot – Picasso Lithographs (also the revised ‘Picasso Project update) no 161. 
Georges Bloch – Picasso L’Oeuvre Gravé no 592.  
Güse- Rau – Picasso The Lithographs no 440.

Provenance: Private Collection, Switzerland.

Superb impression with very rich and fully contrasted black. On pale cream wove Arches paper. Excellent condition, the black with no rubbing. One tiny paper tear in the outer foot margin well clear of the image; the tear has been backed with archival tape to prevent any further increase. Full margins. Sheet: 650 x 500mm. Image: 590 x 440mm.