A beautiful and wild faun emerges from the brown and green background in the exquisite Pablo Picasso ceramic Visage de Faune tourmenté (Tormented Fauns Face), 1956 A.R. 320. Complicated and detailed patterns, coupled with the traditional circular dish design, reflect the best of Picasso's creative genius and modern style. The complex overlay of texture and color create a chaotic atmosphere on the dish. At certain times it can be hard to distinguish the fauns face from the surrounding relief decoration. His eyes are wide - the whites of his eyes are visible circles that protrude from the surface of the dish, making him look surprised and perhaps even pained. The striking color palette further reflects the subject of this dish, as the faun is a forest god in Roman Mythology. With its rich brown and delicate green coloration, we can almost imagine this faun in his element, walking through a forest and causing mischief. The faun is a favorite subject of Picasso's, and they are often depicted with simple lines and vibrant colors - looking happy and friendly. This faun is certainly a departure from that norm - and this dish is all the more magnificent and special for that.

Created in 1956, this original Madoura round dish of white earthenware clay with engobe decoration (brown, green, ivory), glaze, and patina is numbered from the edition of 200. This work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse; also inscribed 'Madoura' on the reverse.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Picasso Ceramic Tormented Faun's Face (Visage de Faune tourmenté), 1956 A.R. 320 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the sale of the work):

1.  Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Vallauris: Madoura, 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 320.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.