Expert: Ben Mahmoud - 2/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have an avant les lettres proof of a poster for a Picasso exhibit Dec.27 1963 to Jan. 27 1964.  Is is inscribed (elipses are mine) "pour Bella...Picasso...Le 28.12.63" which is the day after the exhibit opened.  On the same day (and apparently with the same pencil) he made a drawing "Fleurs at Papillons" and with the same inscription except "pour Marcelle."  I believe Marcella is the widow of Georges Barque (who died in August).  But I am trying to discover who is Bella.

ANSWER: I have no information that might be useful to you in your search.  The only thing that comes to mind is that Bella was the name of Chagall's first wife.  However, that was early in the 20th century.

I am sorry that I could not be of help.

Ben Mahmoud

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Ben...yes Bella Chagall died in 1944.  Their daughter was Ida.  Bella could have also been a friend of Marcelle's on that day...or even Bella Darvi, a film actress who was a gad about on the Riviera during those years.  Or it could have been the butcher's wife and Picasso was just paying his grocery bill.  Whatever the answer, I'm happy just having it.  
Regards,
John


Answer
John, thanks for posing a difficult question.  I just wish I had more information for you.

I would suspect that somewhere on a university faculty is a person with a deep knowledge of Picasso's life.  Maybe you can find that person and get your answer.

Regards,

Ben Mahmoud