767 - PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973)

PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973) Autograph letter signed ‘Picasso’ to André Level, No place, no date, [Paris, 2 August 1915] 1 page, in-12 A pneumatic card bearing a stamp and postmarks dated 2 August 1915 on the reverse. Picasso has indicated the addressee as ‘Mr André Level, 3 R. Cernuschi. E.V.’ and has written his own address, ‘Paris, 5 bis Rue Schoelcher’, in the space reserved for the sender. In French. Browned paper. He transmits to his ‘dear friend’ collector the address of the sculptor Pablo Gargallo ‘in Barcelona - calle Encarnación n°23 - Spain-. Yes, I hope to see you soon, but why don’t you come one evening at least when you are free...’. In the corner reserved for the sender, Picasso indicates his address: Paris, Rue ‘Schoelcher 5 bis’. André Level (1863–1946) – a French businessman, collector and art dealer – became friends with Pablo Picasso in 1908, when he purchased ‘Les Saltimbanques’ on behalf of ‘La Peau de l’Ours’, the collectors’ collective he had founded in 1904. This association brought together art lovers who pooled their contributions to acquire works by modern artists. Level played a central role in the selection and purchase of the paintings. The bond between the two men extended beyond this initial acquisition: Picasso often welcomed Level into his studio. In 1928, Level also published a monograph dedicated to the painter, one of the first works of its kind on Picasso. Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.