Pablo Picasso, Hibou aux ailes déployées (Owl with spread wings), 1957 A.R. 397

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Hibou aux ailes déployées (Owl with spread wings), 1957
Reference:Ramié 397
Medium:Madoura turned round dish of red earthenware clay, engobe decoration in black and knife engraving
Image Size:DIAMETER: 16 1/2 in (42 cm)
Edition:Numbered from the edition of 200 on the reverse.
Signature:This work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-5942

Historical Description

Pablo Picasso ceramic Hibou aux ailes déployées (Owl with spread wings), 1957 A.R. 397 features a smiling owl with wings opening above its head. The owl sits on a thin branch that spans the lower length of the plate, extending the scene beyond the bounds of the ceramic. Beautiful, bushy feathers fan out. Picasso uses wonderful detailing to make the feathers look dynamic and real. In this very simple, two-color plate, Picasso uses engraving to uncover the red earthenware beneath the black and create detail. Owls are a frequent subject in Picasso’s oeuvre, and he especially loved to explore them on ceramics.

One of the most remarkable things that Picasso does with his ceramics, is to make the design fit the physical form of the ceramic. The face of our owl sits right in the center and lowest point of the plate and our eyes are drawn right to it. From there, the wings span out across the broad lip of the plate, making them look open and airy. Picasso anchors this composition with a branch and delicate feet that clasp on.

The back of the plate is decorated with black engobe as well, a geometric alternation of stripes and colored rectangles filled with black or red circles. Both sides of this wonderful work are a pleasure to see, making it a three-dimensional work of art that can be viewed from any angle.

Created in 1975, this madoura turned round dish of red earthenware clay, engobe decoration in black and knife engraving is from the edition of 200 and  stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on the back.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Owl with spread wings (Hibou aux ailes déployées), 1957 A.R. 397 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 sale of the work).

1. Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 397.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.

Subject Matter: Owls Birds