Description:

Pablo Picasso
Cannes, France, June 23, 1961
Rare Pablo Picasso ALS Addressed to Art Collector & Patron Who Hid Works From The Nazis!
ALS
A 1p autograph letter in French signed by Spanish Modern artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) as "your Picasso" near the bottom. June 23, 1961. Written at Villa La Californie, in Cannes, France, Picasso's home and artist's studio from 1955-1961. On watermarked paper. Expected wear minor flaws. Else near fine. 8.125" x 10.625."

Picasso addressed this letter to Max Pellequer (before 1903 - after 1973), a close friend who has been called the artist's "finance minister" by one art historian. It is a testament to Picasso's intimacy with Pellequer (the two were friends between 1914 and the early 1970s) that the artist penned an entire autograph letter signed to him. Overall, autograph letters signed by Picasso of any length or content are extremely rare because Picasso was often too busy or too bored to be bothered with correspondence.

Please see below for the full transcript in French and English translation:

In full:

"A.M. Cannes le 23.6.61.
'La Californie'
Mon cher Max
Voici pour ne pas changer
un papier des contributions.
Il fait chaud.
Et je ne pouvais pas
tuer dex l[o]ups (?).
Je vous embrasse

votre
Picasso."

Translated in full:

"A.M. Cannes 6.23.61.
'La Californie'
My dear Max
In order not to change anything, here [is]
a document showing the contributions.
It is hot.
And I couldn't
kill two w[o]lves (?).
I embrace you

your
Picasso."

Max Pellequer was a French banker who co-founded and later directed the Banque Nationale du Commerce et de l'Industrie. Over several decades, Pellequer's astute financial advice and shrewd stewardship of Picasso's sprawling assets enabled the artist to become a millionaire. Pellequer was also a kindred spirit, a serious art collector who acquired artwork by artists like Picasso, Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin, Matisse, Miró, Modigliani, Dufy, and others. Picasso purchased works from Pellequer's collection, and the artist designed a bookplate for his beloved friend. During the Nazi occupation of France, Pellequer is believed to have helped save some of Picasso's work by hiding it. This is no small accomplishment when one considers it would have probably been classified as "degenerate" by the Nazis and otherwise destroyed.

Personal remarks that Picasso makes in these letters sometimes relate to the weather, as is the case here. The exact meaning of the presumed adage "to kill two wolves" is unclear, but could suggest an inability to accomplish anything in the oppressive Provençal heat.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.125" x 10.625"
  • Medium: ALS

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