Utilizing the minimalist design motifs frequently found in his ceramics, Pablo Picasso ceramic Joueur de flûte (Flute Player ), 1951 creates an intricate and harmonious work that plays with our notion of what is functional and what is art. Situated somewhere in the wistful and romantic French countryside, the reclining flute player performs as the masculine and agile cavaliers pass by in the distance. The flute player looks relaxed and entranced by his own music, as does the cavalier in the foreground. Picasso shows his mastery of the ceramic medium by fitting his compositions carefully and harmoniously with the shape of the ceramic. The same effect occurs here, where the branches of the tree curve up and around, following the shape of the dish.

Georges Bloch stated of Picasso’s ceramic works, ‘…in approach, material and technique is as novel as it is interesting.  Pottery, gleaming white discs with relief designs, monochrome or brightly coloured ovals, dishes and even jugs and vases here serve as bearers of compositions whose themes express the joyous, life-loving side of Picasso’s work.  They are printed from blocks and stamps fashioned by the master over a period of more than twenty years in the Madoura pottery workshop in Vallauris.” (Bloch 7)

Created in 1951, this round/square dish of white earthenware clay is from an edition of 40. This work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Joueur de flûte (Flute Player), 1951 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 no. 126

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.