**First Time At Auction**

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). "Toros (Bulls)" ceramic plate, conceived 1952. Stamped and marked "Edition Picasso / Madoura Plein Feu / Edition Picasso / Madoura" (underneath). One of Picasso's more enduring images throughout his career was that of Spanish bulls. Seen in literally hundreds of his works they inspire and convey strength, masculinity and power. This fabulous and guaranteed authentic plate was created by Picasso and executed by Madoura Gallery in 1952 in an edition of 500. Above, standing bull shown facing left toward a single tree set into a green field. A larger bull is shown resting against a blue background below. Size: 8.125" in diameter (20.6 cm)

Consistent with number 161 in Alain Ramie's "Picasso, Catalogue of the Edited Ceramic Works, 1947-1971" (Paris: 1988).

According to Picasso scholar Vicente Marrero, "In the work of Picasso, the bull is like one of those Spanish rivers, turbulent and agitated, which lose themselves among the brambles, rocks, and reeds, only to reappear later at some other place further on, in plain sight. There are times when it appears that the bull is adumbrated even in the 'figures' of the painter, figures as profound as they are debatable and enigmatic" (Marrero, 83).

Pablo Picasso collaborated with the Madoura pottery studio to create the design for the "Toros" plates as well as other ceramic works. Georges and Suzanne Ramie founded the Madoura Pottery studio in Vallauris, France. The Ramies are probably best known for their wonderful collaborations with Picasso which resulted in an impressive oeuvre of Picasso ceramics. The Madoura pottery studio (Madoura being an acronym for MAison + DOUly (Suzanne's maiden name) + Ramie) opened in an abandoned factory building on April 29th, 1938.

For similar examples see Sotheby's, September 2023 and June 2019 hammering for $4826 and $5000 respectively. At Christie's, similar examples have recently sold for 5292 British pounds, 4750 British pounds, and 10,000 British pounds in September 2022, February 2020 and March 2018 respectfully.

Provenance: private El Monte, California, USA collection; ex-Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired between 1990 - 1999

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#184859

Stamped and marked "Edition Picasso / Madoura Plein Feu / Edition Picasso / Madoura" (underneath). Near choice to choice! A minute flea-bite no larger than the point of a ballpoint pen below lower bull's feet.