37

PABLO PICASSO

Spanish, 1881-1973

Para Esther

1958, crayon on paper
signed and dated Picasso 14.4.58 along lower edge
on a blank front page of the book "The Private World of Pablo Picasso"
8 x 11 in.

  • Provenance: Provenance: The artist; a gift to Esther Watson; by descent in her family to the present owner.

    This charming drawing was sent with love from Picasso, his wife Jacqueline, and their friend photojournalist David Douglas Duncan to Duncan's aunt Esther.

    Duncan cabled his aunt, who had recently been unwell, warning her that a "wonderful surprise" was en route to her in America. Some time later, Esther received a copy of Duncan's photo book "The Private World of Pablo Picasso," with notes from Jacqueline and Duncan on the title page, and a special drawing from Picasso on page 6.

    Esther saved a copy of the letter she sent Picasso in reply, writing, in part, "It meant so much to me that the great artist Picasso would take the time to lovingly decorate and autograph a page in Dave's book just for me; and that in doing so he was sending a thought for my return to health; all this so overwhelmed me that I have no words adequate to express my thanks and gratitude. The flowers that came to me while at the hospital are now only a treasured memory, but your bouquet will stay with me to give me pleasure for the remainder of my life."

    Indeed, these flowers continued to bring Esther great joy for the remainder of her life, and have been lovingly cared for by her family in the years since her passing.

    This work is accompanied by the cable from David Douglas Duncan to Esther warning her of the "wonderful surprise," Esther's copy of the letter she sent to Picasso, and a postcard sent by Picasso and Jacquleine to Esther in reply to her letter.
  • Condition: Residue from a paperclip along upper edge, to right of "A"; edges of sheet slightly toned.

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June 14, 2020 11:00 AM EDT
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