Description:This exquisite ceramic plate seems to glow with Picasso's skilled coloring techniques throughout. Subtle hues of turquoise and yellow give allow for a more organic effect, rich in texture and embodying a vivacity elsewhere unseen in still lifes of this nature.
Created on January 22, 1956, this rounded/square plate is considered a Limited Original Work as published by Madoura. It features a publisher's stamp on the reverse, 'Madoura Plein Feu / Empreinte Originale de Picasso' and has also been dated by Picasso in the lower center of the plate, '56.1.22.' Out of the edition of 400, it is made of white earthenware clay with decoration accentuated by oxidized paraffin, with oxides under the glaze.
This ceramic work features Picasso's playful and dramatic rendition of color, slightly tinting the bunch of flowers in a light turquoise, while accenting the small apple in the lower left and the background with a vibrant sky blue. The impression is further complimented by dark outlines of the image, both on the flowers within its decorative pot and the apple on a small branch with leaves. Successive strokes of long, diagonal lines add an illusion of depth in this slightly concave plate, and serve as representations of shadow and light which reflect off the image. The glossy sheen serves as the final finish to the work as it adds a delicate sparkle and shine throughout the piece. It is truly a whimsical still life, typical of Picasso's playful influences he integrates within his works. His ceramic pieces are no exception; it is exquisitely balanced in composition, skillfully integrating the curvatures inherent in the plate into the details of the still life.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work) :
1. Ramié, Alain. Picasso, Catalogue of the Edited Ceramic Works 1947-1971, Vallauris, 1988. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 305 on pg. 157.
2. Ramié, Georges. Picasso's Ceramics, New York, 1976. Listed and illustrated as cat. no. 414 on pg. 173.
About the Framing:
This resplendent custom frame is the perfect, elegant compliment to this remarkable work. Framing begins with linen-wrapped wooden liners that securely hold the ceramic and allow visibility in the back (to view markings) . An elegant varnished bronze-leaf frame encases the wood liners to create a shadow-box affect against a black background. The delicate coloration of the wood moulding perfectly compliments the gentle texture and color within the clay. A heavy weight picture wire is also attached to the frame to ensure a secure hanging. Due to the size and weight of this piece, we recommend using a heavy duty double nail hook with 100-150 pound weight capacity (double the weight of the piece to determine hook capacity) .
