Capturing the moment in which the picador stabs the charging bull with his lance, Picasso creates an image of action and suspense in Pablo Picasso ceramic Picador, 1953 A.R. 200. The bull rushes forward from the right while the Picador, aboard his horse, appears calm and prepared. He lowers his weapon into the position to strike while, in the background, we view the crowd of onlookers, eager to cheer him on. Picasso creates a perfectly balanced composition in which the height of the action takes place in the front and center. Bullfighting is a common theme in many Picasso ceramics, and is particularly fitting for round plates, where the circular form mirrors the bullfighting ring. Picasso has chosen not to use any color for decorative elements in this piece, and instead uses great texture to add to the scene. The rough texture of the lines that make up the figures, but also the decoration on the outer lip, add to the tension of the fight. The somewhat jagged lines imbue the characters with movement. Picasso is a master at making the image extend beyond the static depiction on the plate, and continuing it through peoples imaginations.

Created in 1953, Picador, 1953 A.R. 200 is a round plate of red earthenware clay. A unique, one of a kind in existence color variant, this work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Picador, 1953 A.R. 200 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: Galerie Madoura, 1988. An example of this piece is listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 200.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.