Pablo Picasso Personnages et tetes (Figures and heads), 1954

Though Picasso never traveled to Greece, he was endlessly fascinated with the Greek vases of antiquity. As a result, Minotaurs, fauns and satyrs frequently appear in works throughout his illustrious career. This fascinating vase is one of Picasso’s modern odes to Greek antiquity. The dominant colors of deep orange, white and black immediately draw comparisons to vases found in Ancient Greece. Each façade of the vase is illustrated with common mythological characters imbued with Picasso’s whimsical style. On several sides satyrs, half-man, half- goat creatures, smile mischievously at us. In classic mythology, Satyrs are lustful and violent, symbols associated with food and wine. Accompanying these bestial figures are a nude man and woman, both holding olive branches, embodying the idea of youth and purity. Using classical symbolism, Picasso illustrates the clash of innocence and hedonism. This enigmatic piece combines history, story-telling and modern art in a playful way sure to impress any viewer.

Created in 1954, this red earthenware clay big vase with square sides is adorned with engobe decoration (russet, black, white), and is knife engraved. From an edition of 25, this work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'D'APRES PICASSO' pottery stamps and annotated with the hand-written inscription 'MADOURA | D'APRES | PICASSO' in black ink on bottom..

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It 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 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. 242
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About the Framing:
Museum grade conservation framed in a complementary moulding with silk mats and optical grade Plexiglas.