Provenance
Christian Zervos,Volume VI, catalogue number 459 (illustrated)
Authenticated by Maya Picasso, December 29th 1982; With a certificate from Claude Picasso
Note: This classic Blue Period nude was drawn in 1902 when Picasso was in Barcelona. It is closely related to Picasso's early masterpiece, Blue Nude and according to John Richardson 'Gauguin likewise opened Picasso's eyes to the expressive possibilities of backs. The pose of the so-called Blue Nude is one that occurs time and again in Tahitian Gauguins.' The subject of the drawing has clear similarities to the features of Germaine Pichot who became a lover of Picasso's after she had rejected his friend Casagemas and driven him to suicide.
Note: This work is currently on loan to The Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin