PABLO PICASSO
(Spanish 1881-1973)
Para Esther
1958 crayon
signed and dated Picasso 14.4.58 along lower edge
8 x 11 in.

This charming drawing was sent with love from Picasso his wife Jacqueline and their friend photojournalist David Douglas Duncan to DuncanÕs aunt Esther.

Duncan cabled his aunt who had recently been unwell warning her that a Òwonderful surpriseÓ was en route to her in America. Some time later Esther received a copy of DuncanÕs photo book ÒThe Private World of Pablo Picasso Ó with notes from Jacqueline and Duncan on the title page and a special drawing from Picasso.

Esther saved a copy of the letter she sent Picasso in reply writing in part ÒIt meant so much to me that the great artist Picasso would take the time to lovingly decorate and autograph a page in DaveÕs book just for me; and that in doing so he was sending a thought for my return to health; all this so overwhelmed me that I have no words adequate to express my thanks and gratitude. The flowers that came to me while at the hospital are now only a treasured memory but your bouquet will stay with me to give me pleasure for the remainder of my life.Ó

Indeed these flowers continued to bring Esther great joy for the remainder of her life and have been lovingly cared for by her family in the years since her passing.

Residue from a paperclip along upper edge, to right of "A"; edges of sheet slightly toned.