In fluid motions floating across the ceramic, the characters in Pablo Picasso ceramic Les danseurs (The Dancers), 1956 A.R. 387 are full of grace. Rendered in sweeping brushstrokes, the figures are frozen in motion against a creamy white background. As the brown seeps into the white, the boarders of the figures glow with a subtle teal blue, adding extra dimensionality and an element of color to the otherwise monochrome ceramic. The figure on the left throws their hands up and arches their back, tossing their head in time with music that we cannot hear. The other figure is more upright, but looks just as engrossed in the dance with their hands rising above their head and both their feet almost off the ground. The figures contain raised lines, which help to create firmer bodies and also give a sense of depth to the ceramic. Through the use of a very simple composition, Picasso creates a piece that is full of rhythm and harmonies. We can imagine that this scene extends beyond the bounds of the ceramic plaque and we create for ourselves the larger context that our dancers exist within.

Created in 1956, this Madoura small convex wall plaque of white earthenware clay with engraving accentuated with oxidized paraffin and glaze bath (ivory, brown) is stamped with the ‘EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO’ and ‘MADOURA PLEIN FEU’ pottery stamps on the reverse; from the edition of 500.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso ceramic Dancers (Les danseurs), 1956 A.R. 387 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. 387.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.