text by Jaime Sabartés, Picasso's life-long friend, profusely illustrated with reproductions of drawings, pastels and gouaches (many in full colour) on the bull fighting theme; published by André Sauret, Monte Carlo; 154 pages; complete with illustrated covers and slipcase; all in perfect condition
bound in are four original lithographs by Picasso printed by Mourlot Frères, Paris :
the lithograph Picador II (illustrated above) is printed in 24 colours and black. Goeppert relates: "To accompany the book, Picasso made four black and white lithographs on March 6, 1961 at Vauvenargues; they depict La Pique, Le Picador, Jeu de Cap and Les Banderillas. The publisher, Andre Sauret, asked Fernand Mourlot to suggest to the artist that "he put a little colour into these plates", and Mourlot communicated the request during a visit to Vauvenargues on April 21, 1961. Picasso obliged by colouring in Le Picador with wax crayons from a box of twenty-four. Fernand Mourlot tells proudly of how his atelier succeeded in the difficult task of printing all 24 colours - plus black - that the artist used and concludes :"That time, I believe, it was our great friend (Picasso) who was a little surprised".