Pablo PICASSO (1981–1973) - Lot 80

Pablo PICASSO (1981–1973) My dear Max, here is the signed sheet… 1966. Autograph letter featuring a felt-tip pen drawing of a sun and two palm trees, signed in the lower right corner, dated 2/15/66, and inscribed “Notre-Dame de Vie” at the top. 16 x 16.5 cm This letter was most likely addressed to Max Pellequer (1883–1974), a banker, collector, and close friend of Pablo Picasso. He served as director of the Central Agency of the National Bank for Commerce and Industry and as deputy director of its Paris branches. For several decades, Pellequer served as the artist’s financial advisor, managing his investments, taxes, and day-to-day affairs. This professional relationship was complemented by a long-standing friendship. Pellequer amassed a significant collection of works by Picasso, acquired directly from the artist or received as gifts. In 1930, Picasso engraved two bookplates for him on the same copper plate, inscribed “For my friend Max Pellequer” (Bloch 131; Geiser 198). The sun and the two palm trees drawn on this letter attest to the familiarity of their correspondence; Picasso readily adorned the letters he sent to his friend. Nearly two hundred letters from Max Pellequer to Picasso are now preserved at the Musée National Picasso in Paris.