Utilizing the minimalist design motifs frequently found in his ceramics, Pablo Picasso's Joueur de flûte et cavaliers (Flute Player and Cavaliers), 1956 A.R. 340 creates an intricate and harmonious work that plays with our notion of what is functional and what is art.  Situated somewhere in the wistful and romantic French countryside, the reclining flute player performs as the masculine and agile cavaliers pass by in the distance.

Created in 1956, this round ceramic plate was produced by Madoura under the direction of Picasso.  Created from white earthenware clay, this piece is from an edition of only 100.  The work is stamped on the reverse, ‘Empreinte Originale De Picasso’ and ‘Madoura plein feu’ and an inscribed marking A101.

Georges Bloch stated of Picasso’s ceramic works, ‘…in approach, material and technique is as novel as it is interesting.  Pottery, gleaming white discs with relief designs, monochrome or brightly coloured ovals, dishes and even jugs and vases here serve as bearers of compositions whose themes express the joyous, life-loving side of Picasso’s work.  They are printed from blocks and stamps fashioned by the master over a period of more than twenty years in the Madoura pottery workshop in Vallauris.” (Bloch 7)

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso Joueur de flûte et cavaliers (Flute Player and Cavaliers), 1956 A.R. 340 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. Bloch, Georges, Pablo Picasso, Catalogue de l’oeuvre grave céramique, 1949-1971. Tome III: 1972, listed as cat no 105 on pg 91.
2. Ramié, Alain, Picasso: Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947 – 1971, 1988. Listed and illustrated as no. 340 on pg 174.
3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:

Conservation framed with archival materials and museum quality, Pablo Picasso's Joueur de flûte et cavaliers (Flute Player and Cavaliers), 1956 A.R. 340 is mounted on archival black linen in an ornate and robust gold leaf shadow box frame.  The gold tone of the framing in contrast with the black linen, accentuates and enhances the brightness of this work.  The sculptural details of overlapping leaves in the framing, compliments the sculptural relief of this piece.