LEVEL André Picasso.

Goepert/Cramer, 16; Bloch (books), 16.

First edition.

One of 120 large paper copies containing the original lithograph by Pablo Picasso, of which 20 are hors commerce. Curiously this copy is justified ‘HC 5/25’ (and not ‘20’) in pencil by the publisher, and signed lower right by Picasso in pencil.

The original lithograph bears no title, but it is indeed one of Picasso’s first portraits of Marie-Thérèse Walter.

This fine edition is the work of one of Picasso’s first patrons, André Level, who made his first acquisitions from the young Spanish artist in 1908.

“In 1928, Level published the present volume as part of the “Cahiers d’aujourd’hui” series put out by Editions G. Crès et Cie. This was after Maurice Raynal’s book of 1921 and Waldemar George’s of 1924 and 1926 (see No. 14)-one of the first monographs on Picasso. Level’s book is all the more valuable because it gives not only an artistic evaluation of Picasso’s œuvre, but also copious biographical details concerning the artist’s friendships, travels, and exhibitions, as well as the circumstances under which a great many works were created… The beautiful lithograph, Visage, included in the book (Geiser 243, Mourlot XXIII) was executed in 1928. The classic profile depicted is that of Marie-Thérèse Walter; it is one of her first portraits” (Cramer).

Fine association copy, inscribed by André Level “à monsieur Besson, sympathique hommage, A. Level“. George Besson was the director of the publishing house Crès & Cie.

Very fine copy, well preserved and uncut.