PICASSO PABLO: (1881-1973) Spanish painter, a co-founder of the Cubist movement. An excellent folio softcover edition of the catalogue issued to accompany an exhibition of Pablo Picasso's works of 1969-70 at the Palais des Papes from 1^st May to 30^th September 1970, held in conjunction with the 24^th Festival d'Avignon and curated by Yvonne Zervos, published by Cahiers d'Art, Paris, 1970. The catalogue features an essay, in French, by Christian Zervos, and two colour plates, 165 monochrome plates of paintings and a further 45 of drawings. The presentation copy is beautifully signed and inscribed by Picasso in blue ink to the front free endpaper, 'Pour Marie, Picasso', and dated 4^th June 1970 in his hand. Picasso has artistically transformed the first word of the inscription with two concentric circles, perhaps representing a flower. The final numeral of the date is similarly enhanced by Picasso. With an oblong 12mo partially printed label from the Galerie Alphonse Chave in Vence neatly affixed to the verso of the front free endpaper. Bound in the original paper wrappers with blue printed title and spine. A magnificent example of Picasso's signature incorporating an original piece of art. Some very light, extremely minor staining and age wear to the paper wrappers, otherwise VG

 

Yvonne Zervos (1905-1970) French gallery owner and wife of Christian Zervos with whom she was a co-director of Cahiers d'Art. An expert on Picasso, she organised the exhibition of over 200 works by the artist held in Avignon, the promotional poster for the event posthumously honouring Zervos by proclaiming that she conceived and developed the exhibition in tribute to Picasso.

 

Christian Zervos (1889-1970) Greek-French art historian, critic, collector, writer & publisher who founded the magazine Cahiers d'Art and also published a catalogue raisonne on the work of Picasso.