Pablo Picasso Oiseau No. 91 (Bird No. 91), 1963 A.R. 485 is a dynamic portrait of a flying bird that expresses the kinetic energy of movement while making the most of the ceramic medium. Utilizing a circular clay dish as his canvas, Picasso depicts a white bird in a side profile view. The base of the plate is decorated in a matte grey and blue flurry of expressive brushstrokes, an environment filled with implied motion. The flying bird contrasts beautifully in color, light, and texture against the unglazed, hazy background; glossy white enamel applied with a painterly finesse form the body of the feathered fowl. Black details define the ruffled feathers, sharp beak, and talons. The wings, feathers, and limbs of the bird angle toward the upper right register and convey the concept of flight and imbue directional flow within the composition.

The flying bird is a fond motif for the artist appearing throughout the artist’s prolific oeuvre. Commonly used in the artist’s political posters as a message of peace and resilience in times of wars, the soaring bird is an appropriate purveyor of the message of freedom. In 1963 Picasso collaborated with the Madoura Pottery Studio in Vallauris, France, designing eight round plate limited editions with varying motifs of birds. Picasso Oiseau No. 91 (Bird No. 91) A.R. 485, is one example from the series; the most expressive and lively of the assortment, the stunning Picasso Madoura ceramic is the only one which features a bird in flight.

Created in 1963, this Madoura round plate of white earthenware clay with decoration in engobe and enamel under partial brushed glaze with black patina (blue, black, white) is this work is inscribed "MADOURA EDITION PICASSO" and "MADOURA" in black on verso and numbered from the edition of 150 in black inscription on verso.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso ceramic Bird No. 91 (Oiseau No. 91), 1963 A.R. 485 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. 485.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.