Pablo Picasso, Hibou Mat (Mat Owl), 1955

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Hibou Mat, 1955
Medium:Madoura rectangular dish of white earthenware clay with decoration in engobes (black, white, blue) engraved by knife; glaze underside.
Image Size:DIMENSIONS: 15 5/16 in x 12 5/8 in (39 cm x 32 cm)
Framed Size:24 1/8 in x 21 1/8 in (61.2 cm x 53.6 cm)
Edition:From the edition of 450.
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-8040

Historical Description

Pablo Picasso Hibou Mat (Mat Owl), 1955 is an astounding and resonant piece that acts as a companion piece to Hibou Brilliant, two works that perfectly complement one another, playing off each other's subtle tonal and textural differences. Hibou Mat's matte surface and softer coloration set it apart from Bright Owl's glazed surface and bolder coloration. With its seamless matte finish and striking graphic sensibilities, Hibou Mat is one of Picasso's most magnificent ceramics. It is incredibly rendered and detailed with expressive strokes characterizing its lush feathers and patterning. The image of the owl takes up the entirety of the dish, as it sits perched against a whimsical background of brick red and blue stars. Bold and heavy eyes stare out towards the audience, captivating the viewer with the intent hidden behind the glaze. Varying line weights are used to denote and separate the pattern of feathers, introducing us to the different textures that allow discernment of his features. Lines that angle to the left, some that branch out from a single focal point, some small, dotted lines, Picasso allows his brush to illustrate such a magnificent form in a whimsical manner.

Created in 1955, this rectangular Pablo Picasso ceramic dish of white earthenware clay with decoration in engobes (black, white, blue) engraved by knife with glaze underside is from the edition of 450. This work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on the bottom.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
This Pablo Picasso ceramic dish 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: Galerie Madoura, 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 284.
  2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

Subject Matter: $16-50k Owls Birds