Endlessly fascinated with the human face, Picasso created a range of ceramics that addresses this subject. In Pablo Picasso ceramic Visage dans un ovale (Face in an Oval), 1955 A.R. 273, we witness one of Picasso's more stunning examples, as a smiling face is portrayed with abstract eyes and an elongated nose. Though the face is simple, it still draws the viewer in - captivating them with the brilliant blues and greens that decorate the dish. The use of multiple colors with the center color blue give the impression of a bounded face. There is also a beautiful symmetry to the face through the half-moon shapes that fall above and below each eye. The differing location of the half moons makes the left side of the face face look more open an inquisitive, and the right side look slightly more furrowed and serious. Picasso created a range of faces on oval plates around this time period - something about the shape must have intrigued him. Deceptively simple, Picasso ceramic Face in an Oval, 1955 A.R. 273 conveys a clear sense of expression with minimal detail, exemplifying Picasso's immense skill at depicting more with less.

Created in 1955, Pablo Picasso ceramic Visage dans un ovale (Face in an Oval), 1955 A.R. 273 is a Madoura white earthenware clay oval dish with decoration in engobes and oxides (blue, green, black) under glaze from the edition of 200. 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 Face in an Oval (Visage dans un ovale), 1955 A.R. 273 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. 273.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.