Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) The Flea. 1936 (Pl. for Buffon, Histoire naturelle, Paris, Fabiani, 1942). Etching, aquatint and drypoint. 320 x 418. Bloch 359; Baer 606; Cramer 37. A very fine proof, one of 5 from the crossed-out copper (in 1964), on japon. Small epidermure in the subject at left on the square line, other less marked traces along the lower board stroke. A circular freckle in the lower left corner, another smaller one under the subject. Fine indentation lines in the margins, notably along the left edge and along the subject at the foot. Small black ink stain in upper right corner. Lower right corner horny. Verso, epidermure at head and gummed kraft band. Full margins. La Puce did not find a place in the published collection (the flea was not part of Buffon's bestiary), but Picasso nevertheless wanted to engrave this subject. The plate was included in the additional suite. The subject depicts Marie-Thérèse Walter in the traditional posture of a woman exhausting herself, often depicted in early paintings. Provenance: Colette Creuzevault Collection.