Pablo Picasso, Colombe de paix (Dove of Peace), 1956

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Colombe de paix (Dove of Peace), 1956
Medium:Green Glass Relief, Unique Work
Image Size:8 1/8 in x 5 1/4 in (20.6 cm x 13.3 cm)
Signature:Inscribed on the reverse, 'P. Picasso - E. Constantini 1956' with 'Fucina degli Angeli Venezia'
Condition:In excellent condition. The surface is glossy and textured.
ID #w-6522

Historical Description

In this stunning glass work, Picasso is able to evoke both the symbolism and imagery of peace through this brilliantly crafted dove relief. Its bright green coupled with its glimmering luminescence when held to the light allows this bird to truly take flight. What serves to be the most striking detail of this piece is its dual relationship with the light and how both the surface quality and its inherent symbolism appear to come alive. The glossy sheen throughout the entirety of the relief allows for accented highlighting along the delicate curves of the dove's beak, extending to the wing and feather detail. The bright green of the glass allows this piece to radiate a warm glow - especially when held to the light, the dove appears to be lit from within, signifying the hope and peace that doves may bring

Created in 1956 and made by Fucina Angeli Venezia in Italy, this greenglass relief is also inscribed on the reverse 'P. Picasso - E. Constantini 1956'. A unique work, this piece is one of a couple, each of which was cast in a unique shade of green. This unique piece is one of only approximately 50 different pieces of glasswork by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) that have come up for sale in the last 20 years.

Picasso's Glass Art:
Picasso's relationship with Egidio Constantini 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, Constantini 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:
Picasso Colombe de paix (Dove of Peace), 1956 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 final sale of the work).

1.  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.