The Picasso ceramic Tripode (Tripod), 1951 A.R. 125 is one of Picasso’s greatest and rarest ceramic works. From the 1940s to 1960s pottery couple Georges and Suzanne Ramié worked regularly with Picasso and it was Suzanne Ramié who created the distinct shape of Tripode. Picasso was always one to draw inspiration from other cultures before him, and this particular shape was created after a very similar looking ancient Cypriot vase.

Picasso developed the work further by decorating the vase with the face of his then girlfriend and muse Francoise Gilot.

He undoubtedly paid immense attention to Gilot’s portrait. The face of his lover on the ceramic is quizzical and endearing. Her thick eyebrows painted by rich blue oxides, each showing distinctive markings.  Pensive and natural, the woman’s face is cradled by two hands, as if deep in thought. Anything but one dimensional, this sculptural work also depicts another face on the reverse side of Gilot’s portrait. This second portrait is playful and charming. Two large eyes gaze out at the viewer, flanked by enlarged nostrils below. The exaggerated expression procures laughter and admiration. Overall, the gleaming white glaze interacts beautifully with natural light. This work is undoubtedly an unforgettable tribute to a woman Picasso loved.

Created in 1951, this Madoura white earthenware clay vase with decoration in oxides (blue, green), engraved by knife on white enamel is numbered from the edition of 75 and stamped with the ‘MADOURA PLEIN FEU’ and ‘EDITION PICASSO’ pottery stamps on verso

CATALOGUE RAISONNÉ & COA:

Pablo Picasso ceramic Tripod (Tripode), 1951 A.R. 125 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 an illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 125

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.