This tender image of Françoise Gilot was made by Picasso three days after the birth of their son, Claude, and is one of three such portraits dating from May and June of 1947.

When Françoise first met Picasso, in a restaurant in 1943, she was only 21 years old: Picasso, at 61, was almost thrice her age. He pursued Françoise, also an artist, mercilessly, and soon she was to replace Dora Maar as his mistress. During their ten year relationship they were to have two children, Paloma being born two years later than Claude in 1949.

Such was the public's interest in the couple that eleven years after their separation, Françoise wrote Life with Picasso, a book which would sell over one million copies in dozens of languages.

Original brush-drawn lithograph in black ink, made in May 1947. Drawn and printed at the Mourlot Studio, Paris, a superb impression on pale cream wove Arches paper. Excellent condition.