More photos to follow.
Dove of Peace by Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973).
A remarkable and rare cut out dove formed out of the back of a cigarette packet and gifted to French politician and resistance fighter, Laurent Casanova.
Pablo Picasso’s dove emerged as one of the most enduring images of peace in modern art. In 1949, as Europe still bore the scars of war and the shadow of the Cold War lengthened across the continent, Picasso was invited to create an image for the First International Peace Congress in Paris. He turned to a white dove, rendered with restraint, tenderness and simplicity. The dove was immediately embraced beyond the confines of the art world, circulating across borders and languages, becoming a shared visual prayer for peace. During this post war period, Picasso developed a friendship with the prominent French Politian and resistance figure Laurent Casanova after joining the party in 1944. One day whilst having lunch together in Cannes, Picasso cut the dove out of a Gitanes cigarette packet and gifted it to the Politician.
This work, never before exhibited, demonstrates Picasso’s affection for cut outs and scissor work that remained a lesser-known practice throughout his artistic life. Often spontaneous and whimsical they were usually given as presents to family and friends.
Cut Gitanes cigarette case and crayon.
30cm x 25cm (including frame). Dove measuring 9cm x 9cm.
C1950, France.
Provenance
A personal gift from Picasso to French politician and resistance fighter, Laurent Casanova.
Collection of Claudine Chomat, wife of Laurent. Thence by descent to their daughter Marie Claude Michaut.
This work has been authenticated by the Pablo Picasso committee on November 12th, 2025 and is now catalogued under reference 0303 with the committee.
A copy of the certificate accompanies this work.
London collection or worldwide shipping available on all items. Please email beforehand for a quote, or select pick up at checkout.
More photos to follow.
Dove of Peace by Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973).
A remarkable and rare cut out dove formed out of the back of a cigarette packet and gifted to French politician and resistance fighter, Laurent Casanova.
Pablo Picasso’s dove emerged as one of the most enduring images of peace in modern art. In 1949, as Europe still bore the scars of war and the shadow of the Cold War lengthened across the continent, Picasso was invited to create an image for the First International Peace Congress in Paris. He turned to a white dove, rendered with restraint, tenderness and simplicity. The dove was immediately embraced beyond the confines of the art world, circulating across borders and languages, becoming a shared visual prayer for peace. During this post war period, Picasso developed a friendship with the prominent French Politian and resistance figure Laurent Casanova after joining the party in 1944. One day whilst having lunch together in Cannes, Picasso cut the dove out of a Gitanes cigarette packet and gifted it to the Politician.
This work, never before exhibited, demonstrates Picasso’s affection for cut outs and scissor work that remained a lesser-known practice throughout his artistic life. Often spontaneous and whimsical they were usually given as presents to family and friends.
Cut Gitanes cigarette case and crayon.
30cm x 25cm (including frame). Dove measuring 9cm x 9cm.
C1950, France.
Provenance
A personal gift from Picasso to French politician and resistance fighter, Laurent Casanova.
Collection of Claudine Chomat, wife of Laurent. Thence by descent to their daughter Marie Claude Michaut.
This work has been authenticated by the Pablo Picasso committee on November 12th, 2025 and is now catalogued under reference 0303 with the committee.
A copy of the certificate accompanies this work.
London collection or worldwide shipping available on all items. Please email beforehand for a quote, or select pick up at checkout.
