A bold and evocative portrait, Pablo Picasso Visage (Face), 1960 A.R. 139, recalls the eminent impact of Picasso, as one of the founders of Cubism. From the subject’s tilted face to the curved nose, notes of cubism are present throughout the work. Stylized in abstractions of blue, yellow, white, and black, a vibrant and cheerful, though distorted face emerges within the circular form of the round dish. The whiteness of the face contrasts dramatically with the bold, black background encircling the dish.

With a sense of humor, decorative elements found in the recurring motif of the circle are repeated in dots that trace the lines of our subject’s unworldly appearance. Most notably are the two giant yellow circles which intimate the subject’s blushing cheeks. On either side of its eyes are blue lines which form the wrinkles on the corners of the eyes. The face seems to be mischievously grinning, as if it just revealed a playful secret to the viewer. The glazed texture of the ceramic dish makes the subject’s expression gleam in the light, further emphasizing its dramatic expression. A stunning example of the prolific artist’s efforts in the ceramic medium, this playful piece is unmistakably Picasso in every way.

Created in 1960, this Madoura round dish of white earthenware clay with decoration in engobes (yellow, blue, black) under glaze is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse. Numbered from the edition of 100.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso Face (Visage), 1960 A.R. 139 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. 139.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.