A felt-tip sketch of a horse by Picasso is expected to fetch £15,000 when it is auctioned next month.
The Spanish artist doodled the animal on a ripped-out page from a book called The Small World of Pablo Picasso, which was published in Paris in 1959.
Auction house Duke’s, in Dorchester in Dorset, is selling the sketch, which is owned by a private collector based in Britain.
It comes with a letter from Picasso’s daughter, Maya Widmaier, saying it is authentic.
Auctioneer Guy Schwinge said: “This is a strong drawing with immediate appeal and is likely to go to someone with a passion for horses, who likes the idea of owning an original work by Picasso.
“The statement of authenticity from his daughter is definitely an added bonus”.
Picasso drew horses throughout his life, perhaps most famously the terrified horse in Guernica.
This doodle, however, is much gentler, showing a horse standing still with its hind legs crossed.
It goes up for auction on 1 October. Contact the auction house on 01305 265080 or go to www.dukes-auctions.com
