Pablo Picasso - Picasso – Peintures, Dessins, Gravures Rares [with original lithograph: Faune et Marin] - 1956

Pablo Picasso – Faune et Marin (Mediterranée), 1956

Catalogue Raisonné: Cramer 75; Reuße 684; Mourlot 284; Bloch 800
Publisher: Imprimerie Devaye, Cannes
Printer of illustrations: Mourlot Frères
Date: 1956
Paper: Vélin
Image size: 12 × 8.6 cm
Sheet size (catalog edition): approx. 14 × 19 cm
Technique: Transfer lithograph in four colours (green, violet, blue, ochre)

This work is the well-known colour lithograph “Faune et Marin (Méditerranée)”, created by Picasso on 3 June 1956 for the exhibition catalogue Picasso – Peintures, Dessins, Gravures Rares at Galerie 65 in Cannes.
The composition was printed by Mourlot Frères in four colours, using Picasso’s handwritten indications for the order of inks:

I – violet

II – blue

III – ochre

IV – green


Edition

Total print run: 1,500 copies, of which:

50 deluxe copies on ancient Japan paper, each bearing the monogram “G.D.” in ink and an additional impression of the lithograph, signed and numbered by Picasso;

1,450 unnumbered copies on vélin, included in the standard catalogue edition, without signature, printed by Mourlot.


Your example corresponds to the standard 1,450-copy edition, printed on vélin, inserted in the catalogue as issued in 1956.
This printing is fully original — it is a genuine lithograph produced at Mourlot from Picasso’s transfer stone for the 1956 Galerie 65 exhibition and is listed in all catalogues raisonnés as an original lithograph, not a later reproduction.

Provenance & Context

The lithograph was created for the exhibition held between 14 August – 30 September 1956 at Galerie 65.
Picasso supervised the work directly with Mourlot and produced the lithograph the very same day as mentioned in the print: “3.6.56.”, which appears printed in green at the bottom of the sheet.

Condition

(Complete here when listing: e.g., Very good, light foxing verso, strong colours, full sheet.)