Pablo Picasso, Femme au Cheveux Flous (Fluffy-haired Woman), 1964 A.R. 520

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Femme au Cheveux Flous (Fluffy-haired Woman), 1964
Reference:A.R. 520
Medium:Terracotta plaque with black engobe.
Image Size:DIMENSIONS: 13 in x 9 7/8 in (33 cm x 25 cm)
Framed Size:28 3/4 in x 25 3/4 in (73 cm x 65.4 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 100.
Signature:This work is stamped with the 'Madoura Plein Feu' and 'Empreinte originale de Picasso' stamps on the reverse.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-5206

Historical Description

This fluffy-haired woman is a stunning example of Pablo Picasso's mastery of abstraction. Her face intrigues the viewer as it simultaneously appears to depict a woman's face in a frontal as well as two profile views. The woman's fluffy, black hair expands out nearly to the edge of the plaque, while her large nose and eyes relay an expression of surprise. Like a linocut, the image in this clay plaque is achieved through a deductive process. This means that the image is created from what is left over after portions of the surface are removed. When ink is applied to the surface, it attaches only to the remaining surface level areas, and not to the incised areas-and a beautiful image of a woman emerges from the clay. The printing process in this instance is done with a black engobe pad. Engobe decoration is a highly technical and specialized process where the artist mixes a liquid clay substance and applies it directly to the clay surface. Because the color is actually in the liquid clay, the color remains fresh and richly saturated throughout the life of the piece. This delicate artisan process is best appreciated in person, as the patient and skillful hand of the artist is best visible. Due to the large scale of the work, these fine details can be even better enjoyed.

Created in 1964, this original Madoura rectangular plaque is made of red earthenware clay, printed with engobe pad in black. This work is inscribed with the 'Empreinte originale de Picasso' and 'Madoura Plein Feu' stamps on the reverse; from the total numbered edition of 100.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso Femme au Cheveux Flous (Fluffy-haired Woman), 1964 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final sale of the work):

1. Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné 520.

About the Framing:
Framed to museum-grade, conservation standards, Pablo Picasso Fluffy-haired Woman (Femme au Cheveux Flous), 1964, is presented in a complementary moulding and finished with silk-wrapped mats.