This etching was made as an illustration to a work by Balzac titled 'Le Chef d’Oeuvre Inconnu'. The publication consisted of 12 etchings by Picasso and a wood engraving by Georges Aubert after a drawing by Picasso. It was Ambroise Vollard who asked Picasso to illustrate Balzac's text in 1926 and Albert Bernard, a friend of Vollard’s who wrote the preface to the book.

Very good condition. Very light discoloration from former matting. Signature and numbering slightly smudged.