Pablo Picasso Face with X-Shaped Lines, 1968-1969

Comprised of a playful curvilinear carved design in bright blue, yellow, green and white, Picasso masterfully integrates these beautiful colors with the natural earth tone clay to create a marvelous and complex ceramic image.

A whimsical portrait in vivid colors, this work appeals to our response to color, texture, depth and space. There is a wonderful interplay between line and circle, as these lines and circle forms converge to create a charming face with round blue eyes, a long blue and yellow nose, and sweet small lips. The face is framed by four circle impressions that mimic fingerprints. The fingerprint-like patterns bring life and interest to the piece, making the presence of the artist more apparent and exciting. Areas of the piece have a glossy clear glaze that hi-lights the bright colors and deep rich earth tones.

Created in December 1968, this square earthenware clay ceramic plaque is created out of red earthenware clay. Numbered 39/100 on the reverse, this work is stamped ‘Empereinted Originale de Picasso, Madoura plein feu,’ on the reverse as well. The piece is also marked ‘136B’ in black on the reverse.

ILLUSTRATED IN:

1. Ramié, A. (1988). Picasso: Catalogue of the Edited Ceramic Works, 1947 – 1971. Madoura: Vallauris. Ceramic plaque listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 556 on pg. 273 (another version illustrated).
2. Ramié, G. (1976). Picasso’s Ceramics. Viking Press: NY. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 649 on pg. 264 (another version illustrated).
3. Texas A&M University. The Online Picasso Project. www.picasso.tamu.edu. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. OPP.68:423.

About the Framing:
Conservation framed in a deep gold leaf shadow box frame with archival materials and museum quality.  This work is mounted on archival black linen, which compliments the contrasting tones in this piece.  The design elements of the frame enhance the sculptural quality of the work. The back of the frame has been specially designed so as to view the edition and ceramic inscription on the back of the ceramic.