Pablo Picasso, Centaure et visage (Centaure and Face), 1953 A.R. 188

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Centaure et visage (Centaure and Face), 1953 A.R. 188
Reference:A.R. 188
Medium:Madoura turned pitcher of chamotted red earthenware ceramic clay, engobe and paraffin decoration with black enamel
Image Size:DIMENSIONS: 10 1/2 in x 9 in x 8 in (26.7 cm x 22.9 cm x 20.3 cm)
Edition:From the edition of 125.
Signature:This work is inscribed ‘EDITION PICASSO’ with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO' pottery stamps on the underside.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-7470

Historical Description

Pablo Picasso Centaure et visage (Centaure and Face), 1953 AR 188 attests to Picasso's sensitivity to form and design in his ceramic creations. It boasts a simple and sensitive design which is inspired by the artist's interest in mythology. The shape of the pitcher is an abstract representation of a centaur; the spout acts as the head of the creature, and its neck expands elegantly into the belly of the work. On one side of the bowl, a circular form in red contrasts the black base it sits upon. In this circle, Picasso illustrates a pensive face that profoundly affects the viewer. This form, with its painterly mark making, resembles a full moon floating in a black night sky.

Created in 1953, Pablo Picasso Centaure et visage (Centaure and Face), 1953 AR 188 is a Madoura turned pitcher o chamotted red earthenware ceramic clay, engobe and paraffin decoration with black enamel. This piece is from the edition of 125 and is inscribed 'EDITION PICASSO' with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on the underside.

Catalog Raisonné & COA:
Centaure et visage (Centaure and Face), 1953 AR 188 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalog reasonés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalog of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: Galerie Madoura, 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalog raisonné no. 188 on pg. 102.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Centaure et visage (Centaure and Face), 1953 AR 188 is presented in a complementary molding and finished with silk-wrapped mats and optical grade Plexiglas.