Pablo Picasso’s Untitled, 1954 playful spirit is infused into this lively work of art. The cobalt blue hue glistens like a sapphire against the light—the sheen of the glass makes it glorious for onlookers to admire. Unlike many of his other works, this piece is highly symmetrical on all sides bearing the image of a woman. For Picasso, the symbol of the woman is important. Many have been the subject of his inspiration and creative outlet so much so that he created a multitude of works across his prolific oeuvre. There is a transfiguration of femininity that this particular work brings about. It is playful and gestural in many ways. Tall is her posture and stature—she has a long neck, limbs, and figure. Her cascading hair surrounds her face and streamlines her décolletage. There is an astute quality that enforces the idea that Picasso had many muses in his life. Standing tall and powerful, the artist creates a flawless yet playful statuette.

Created in 1954 in the Fucina degli Angeli in Italy, Pablo Picasso Untitled, 1954 is a Murano colored glass sculpture realized by master glass artist Egidio Costantini (Brindisi, 1912- Venice, 1998) in collaboration with Pablo Picasso (Malaga, 1881 – Mougins, 1973). This work is inscribed on the base: “P. Picasso E. Costantini Fucina Angeli V.E. 1954 P.A.” This work is an artist proof from an unknown edition size.

Picasso's Glass Art:

Picasso's relationship with Egidio Costantini echoes his partnership with the Madoura Pottery in Vallauris, France. The two men initially met in Vallauris in 1954, though their working relationship would begin a few years later, due in part to Peggy Guggenheim's invitation for Picasso to come to Venice. While Suzanne and Georges Ramié created large editions based on original prototypes created by Picasso, Costantini translated the artist's drawings into glass sculptures produced in very limited editions. This master of La Fucina degli Angeli (the Forge of the Angels), Murano, transformed the centuries-old tradition of Italian glass blowing into a modern art. A 1965 exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, recognized the importance of these rare sculptures, which are housed in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, amongst other notable collections.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso Untitled, 1954 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.