Bulls were long a source of fascination for Picasso, who depicted them countless times across all mediums. A lithograph in eleven states entitled Pablo Picasso Toros (Bulls), 1952 A.R. 161 shows the extent to which he would pursue their form, seeking the perfect iteration. In that print, the animal's form becomes a few elegant lines, evocative of the stylized Paleolithic cave paintings found in Lascaux and Niaux in the French Pyrenees (Picasso et la céramique, 113). Created only a few years later, the ceramic Toros (Bulls) shows a similarly pared-down representation of this powerful animal. Dividing the scene with cool aqua tones, Picasso shows two views of the bull, emphasizing his masculinity and strength.

Created in 1952, this original turned plate of white earthenware clay is decorated with engobes and oxidized paraffin. From the edition of 500, the work bears two publisher's stamps on the reverse: 'Ed. Picasso' and 'Madoura plein feu ed.'

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso Toros (Bulls), 1952 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. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 161.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:

Framed to museum-grade conservation standards, Pablo Picasso Toros (Bulls), 1952 is presented in a complementary moulding on a linen-wrapped support.