Picasso drawing up for auction

Lawrences Auctioneers in Crewkerne (Somerset) hope to achieve international attention for an early drawing by the world's most valuable artist at auction: Pablo Picasso.

"The pen and ink drawing, entitled ‘Personnages et Deux Chiens’ depicts two groups of figures with a couple of dogs," explains Lawrences' specialist, Richard Kay. "It was drawn by Picasso when he was still a teenager living in Madrid, developing his own style, and comes from a sketchbook known as Carnet 96.

“In this drawing he is clearly demonstrating his admiration for the work of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec whose pictures he would have seen during his stay in Paris from October to December 1900.

“The drawing is not signed but collectors need have no fear of its authenticity as it is stamped on the back to show that it was once in the collection of Picasso's granddaughter, Marina. Furthermore, the drawing has been exhibited in Geneva, Venice, Munich, Tokyo, Melbourne and Paris.

“Its sale coincides brilliantly with the Picasso exhibition at The National Gallery in London, `Challenging the Past` and we are hopeful that it will attract interest from Japan where there are keen collectors for this early period."

The drawing has been consigned for sale from a private West Country collection and is expected to realise £30,000-40,000. The auction is on April 24. All enquiries to richard.kay@lawrences.co.uk