The French love yellow roses and consider them a symbol of happiness and affection. After the German invasion of Paris, Francoise painted "The Yellow Roses" in hopes of bringing good cheer to her countrymen who viewed it. The painting was included in Gilot's first exhibition (she exhibited together with her friend and muse, Genevieve) at Madame Decre’s Gallery in Paris. The exhibition was up when Gilot met Picasso in May of 1943 at Le Catalan Restaurant. Gilot gave him an invitation and suggested that he stop by to see the exhibition. He did a few days later and left an invitation with Madame Decre for Gilot to visit his studio. You know the story from there….