A whimsical fish sits placidly in the center of Pablo Picasso ceramic “Fish” Service, Bowl E, 1947 A.R. 12. A sweeping orange back and a blue belly make up the body of the fish. Turquoise fins crown the back of the fish and a delicate tail parts off the back. Dashes of yellow encircle the rim of the creamy colored bowl, brightening the entire work and creating a dreamy abstracted pattern around the fish. The colors emit a tropical sensation, reminding the viewer of the warmth of the sun and the salty taste of the ocean air.

Picasso, who often riffs on ancient Greek art in his work with regards to subject matter, such as the minotaur, fauns and the like, is once again exploring another ancient Greek trope of fish plates. These are plates that were created in Attica and later in Southern Italy that are decorated with sea-life, gaining the name ‘fish plates’. Very different in artistic style, Picasso explores the trope by introducing his own artistic flourish. Instead of using the palate traditional of Greek fish plates of terracotta red and black with some white, Picasso has modernized his take with bright colors.

Created in 1947, this Madoura bowl of white earthenware clay with decoration in engobes and oxides (yellow, ochre, blue, red, green, black) under glaze is inscribed ‘Madoura’ and bears the monogram of Suzanne Ramié on the underside; from the edition of 300.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso ceramic “Fish” Service, Bowl E, 1947 A.R. 8 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 sale of the work).

1. Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 12.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.