Pablo Picasso | Autograph note in crayon on squared paper

Pablo Picasso

Autograph note (unsigned), written in crayon on square paper (226 x 161 mm), informing the reader of his whereabouts ("Maintenant je vais à la gallerie MAI et je serais apres à Flore jusque à l'heure d'aller chez Cutolli"), with an addition in pencil between the first and second lines ("d'abord chez Kahnweiler"), and another note on the verso, written in pencil in another hand ("Demandez les clefs chez la concierge"), [Paris], no plate nor date

Here, Picasso makes reference to several patrons and locations that played important roles in his career in Paris. "Gallerie MAI" likely refers to the Salon de Mai, an association of French artists formed in 1943 known for its exhibitions, including of Picasso's work. "Flore" undoubtedly denotes the Café de Flore, a historic coffeehouse and famous haunt for writers, philosophers, and artists including Picasso. The next stop in Picasso's day, according to the note, was "chez Cutolli", referring to Marie Cuttoli, his lifelong friend and business partner, whose penchant for tapestries and carpets both revived the art form and encouraged Picasso's creation of woven cartoons. Among Picasso's preeminent supporters was gallery owner Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler, also mentioned in his note. A champion of the Cubist movement, Kahnweiler was one of the first to recognise Picasso's talent.