Comprised of a simple linear carved design in an earth tone clay plaque, Picasso takes advantage of the natural earth tones of the clay to create a warm hued work with a strong contrasting black engobe. Pablo Picasso Man's Face, 1966 A.R. 539 is very reminiscent of a linocut in both technique and the total effect. Depicting a linear scene carved from the surface of a clay plaque, a man with a goatee stares out at us with distinct purpose and character. 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 1966, this rectangular plaque of red earthenware clay, printed with engobe pad (black). This work is from the edition of 500 and features the 'Empreinte Originale de Picasso, Madoura plein feu' stamps.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso Man's Face, 1966 A.R. 539 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final 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. 539.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.