Galerie Simon, Paris
The Mayor Gallery, Ltd., London
Galerie Knoedler, Paris
Private Collection, New York (acquired from the above in 1962)
Thence by descent

Paris, Galerie Knoedler, Picasso, Dessins & Aquarelles 1899-1965, 1966, no. 57, illustrated in the catalogue

Executed on cream wove paper, not laid down. The sheet is hinged to the mount on the verso of the upper corners. The sheet is very lightly time-stained, mostly along the extreme edges. This work is in excellent condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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Les Trois Grâces was a recurrent theme in Picasso’s work throughout the 1920s, exemplifying his return to Classicism and a more traditional figurative style. These years witnessed a widespread artistic reaction against radical pre-war movements such as Cubism, Expressionism and Primitivism, and Picasso’s Neo-Classicism reflected the cultural mood of the period. The reassuring revival of antiquity provided a stable and conformist artistic outlet following the trauma of war. 

This drawing, dating from 1923, belongs to a renaissance of Classicism in Picasso’s graphic work linked to a set of commissions for illustrations of classic texts which he received in the early 1920s. The sinuous lines of the drawing reflect Picasso’s admiration for the draftsmanship of antiquity, especially the outline style of fifth-century BC Athenian vase painting as well as Roman subject matter (see fig. 2). It is also a stylistic reference to nineteenth-century Neo-Classicism, and particularly the elegant line-drawings by Ingres that Picasso was able to admire in the Louvre.

The present lot is also notable for the original photo-certificate which is included, inscribed, signed and dated by the artist, Ce dessin est de moi, Picasso, le 25.4.62 (see fig. 2). This was presented to the 🗹parents of the current owner by Picasso at the time of their purchase in 1962.

Fig 1. Pablo Picasso, The Three Graces, 1924, oil on canvas, Private Collection

Fig. 2🀅 Original photo-certificate included with the present lot

Fig. 3 The Three Kharites (The Graces), circa 65-79 AD, Museo Archaeologico Naz๊ionale 🐽di Napoli, Naples