This original lithograph, Noble Dame, 6.1.1959 (Noble Lady) was created January 6, 1959, one of six lithographs created that day, each around the theme of lords, kings, and ladies.

The lithograph was made by drawing the image with crayon onto a transfer paper which was then transferred to a lithographic stone, from which it was then printed.  Note that the left half of the face appears to be in profile although the view is direct frontal.

At this time this lithograph was made Picasso would never see Marie-Thérèse again as he was prohibited to do so by Jacqueline, who would become his second wife in 1961.  Marie-Thérèse and Picasso were together from 1927 to 1936. 

Most of Picasso's printmaking in 1959 was of linoleum block prints, or linocuts.   While Picasso was working on linocuts throughout the fall, the City of New York was having disputes with the new Guggenheim Museum and its architect, Frank Loyd Wright. who died in 1959.

This lithograph was printed by Mourlot in a limited edition of 50 examples plus some artist proofs.  This one is numbered 47/50 and is signed by Picasso.

Mourlot was the famed printer at whose studio Picasso spent much time learning and experimenting with the lithographic medium since 1945.  In the next quarter century Picasso had created more than 800 lithographic images.