360

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

Six Signed Proofs of Original Etchings Made to Illustrate an Edition of Aristophanes' Lysistrata.

New York: The Print Club, 1934.
Deluxe limited edition portfolio; complete with 6 etchings, each hand-numbered "150/55" and signed in pencil by Picasso in the lower margin; loose as issued in the original printed wrapper; housed in the original? full burlap portfolio with gilt-lettered label to front panel (small area of faint soiling to upper margin of one or two etchings; paper wrapper with tiny splits at ends; portfolio corners exposed, cloth at lower joint starting, scuffing to gilt border of label); 15 x 11 3/8 in.


In 1934, George Macey, the founder of the Limited Editions Club, commissioned Picasso to illustrate this deluxe edition of Aristophanes' Lysistrata. Picasso was an ideal choice for Gilbert Seldes's new translation not only because of their longstanding friendship dating back to the 1920s, but also due to the widespread acclaim Picasso had earned for his 1930 illustrations of Ovid's Metamorphosis

This set of proofs was published separately from the book edition and places special emphasis on Picasso's beautiful illustrations by presenting them on oversize single sheets. A complete set such as this is rare at auction, as the proofs are more often separated and offered individually. Additionally, we have only located one other copy housed in a similar burlap portfolio at auction.

Bloch 262-272; Cranmer 24. 

  • Condition: Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


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October 23, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
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