Endlessly fascinated with the human face, Picasso created a range of ceramics that address this subject. In Picasso ceramic Visage dans un ovale (Face in an Oval), 1955 A.R. 275 we witness one of Picasso's more charismatic examples, as a joyful face is portrayed with gazing eyes and a half smile that draws us in. The dish is decorated in dark colors, with patchy russet brown showing on a dark black background. The russet forms a cloud of color within the larger plate, gives the facial features more of a home. The two sides of the face, one with an eyebrow and one without, have differing expressions. The left side, without the eyebrow, looks more open and friendly, while the right appears more serious. Picasso is a master at depicting multiple emotions on one face, often using the two sides to say different things. The dish also features a decorative border of dots and zigzags. Deceptively simple, in a complex color scheme, Picasso ceramic Face in an Oval conveys a sense of expression with minimal detail, exemplifying Picasso's immense skill at depicting more with less.

Created in 1955, this white earthenware clay oval dish with decoration in engobes (black, russet, white) and engraved by knife under glaze is from the edition of 100. 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. 275 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, 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 275.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.