This doodle by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) depicts his famous former muse Sylvette David and her fiancé.
After David got engaged to Tobias Jellinek in 1956, the couple went to see Picasso, who drew the picture as a wedding present in the copy of his book L’ouvre Grave de Picasso, adding a date, signature and message.
David, who now lives in Devon and goes by the name Lydia Corbett, captivated the Spanish painter who spent months in 1954 painting the teenager in the south of France. The so-called ‘Sylvette series’ of more than 60 portraits, drawings and sculptures is regarded as one of his most diverse and experimental bodies of work.
He made a particular feature of her characteristic high ponytail, which also inspired many women, including Bridget Bardot, who appropriated her look.
The work is offered by web-based art and design dealers Xupes for £55,000 and is being sold on the art and antiques selling platform 2Covet.
