Description:A sumptuous composition emerges out of simple linear design with a graphic sensibility. Mimicking his traditional linocut technique, Picasso crates a dazzling ceramic piece that is visually and intellectually stimulating. Taking advantage of the natural earth tones in the clay, Picasso creates a warm hued work with strong contrasting black engobe design. Depicting a linear scene carved from the surface of a clay plaque, the mysterious toreador approaches the standing nude figures, who are sensual and alluring. The simplicity of the work exhibits the artist’s skill in creating a visual story with minimal manipulation of the earthenware clay. Georges Bloch stated of Picasso’s ceramic works, “He expresses thoughts that have occupied him for years in a new, one might almost say a purified form. He works with the potter’s tools, with graver and gouge, with molette and roulette, but he also uses the blunt end of a pencil, a knife or anything else that comes to hand…The mood of the works varies with the artist’s state of mind at the time of their conception, now stark and forceful, now delicate and tender, sometimes suggesting improvisation, sometimes passionate concentration. Picasso’s love of experiment comes out more clearly here than in other domains, his readiness to venture on hitherto forbidden paths.” (Bloch 8-9)
Created in 1968, this rectangular plaque is created out of red earthenware clay, printed with engobe pad in black. The engobe technique fuses the pigment with the clay, thereby preserving the deep rich black color and keeping the work crisp and fresh. Numbered ‘J 150 | 333/500’ in black ink on the reverse, this work also contains the official ‘Empreinte Originale de Picasso’ and ‘Madoura plein feu,’ stamps.
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work) :
1) Ramié, Alain, Picasso: Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971,
1988, listed as cat no 541.
2) Masterworks Fine Art, Inc. Certificate of Authenticity accompanies this work.
About the Framing:
Set is a deep gold leaf shadow box with black linen wrapped mats, this custom frame is the ideal compliment to this ceramic plaque. This work is mounted on archival black linen, which compliments the contrasting tones in this piece. The design elements of the frame enhance the sculptural quality of the work. All materials are archival and museum quality.
