PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973)

PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973) VERVE. Revue artistique et littéraire. Vol. VIII. Nos 29-30 : ‘Suite de 180 dessins de Picasso 28 Novembre 1953 au 3 Fevrier 1954’. Paris: Éditions de la revue Verve [Tériade], 1954. First edition: an important presentation copy inscribed by Picasso to his muse Sylvette David and inscribed by Lydia Corbett (née Sylvette David), with a further inscription by Lydia Corbett on the front endpaper. Folio (353 x 266mm). 16 colour lithographs and numerous monochrome illustrations after Picasso. The present double issue of Verve, the celebrated Parisian art magazine, was dedicated to reproducing a series of 180 drawings executed by Picasso in Vallauris in late 1953 and early 1954. Its iconic covers depict the then 19-year old Sylvette in silhouette profile, recognisable immediately by her high ponytail which inspired the artist to create over 60 portraits of her in the spring of 1954.