PABLO PICASSO (1881 -1973) Minotaure mourant, from ‘La Suite Vollard’

signed in pencil ‘Picasso’ (lower left) etching on Montval paper Picasso watermark 19.4 x 26.4 cm (image), 35.4 x 44.5cm (sheet) In 1930, Ambroise Vollard, Pablo Picasso's art dealer, commissioned a series of etchings in exchange for paintings by other artists (legend says that they were by Monet, Cézanne or Renoir). This series of 100 etchings was produced between 1933 and 1937. The Suite Vollard is based on several themes, including the Sculptor's Studio, the Minotaur, Rape and Rembrandt. It also includes three portraits of Vollard. The Suite was printed by Lacourière in 1939: 50 impressions printed on laid Montval paper with Montgolfier watermark. A further 260 impressions were also printed on small laid Montval paper with either a Picasso or Vollard watermark.