Pablo Picasso Picador, 1953

Capturing the moment in which the picador lowers his lance to weaken the charging bull, Picasso creates an image of action and suspense. The bull rushes forward from the left while the Picador, aboard his horse, appears calm and prepared. He lowers his weapon while, behind him, a matador charges forward, perhaps to aid in the kill. Picasso contrasts the stark black of the figures against a beautiful faun brown background and balances the composition, placing the picador at the center and flanking him on either side with the bull and the matador. The glossy sheen of this work adds an additional element of light and shadow to this work and toys with the viewer's eyes, further enhancing this illusion of motion.

Created in 1953, this original Madoura turned cupel was created in red earthenware clay from an edition of 500. It also features engobe and enamel decoration in black with paraffin and glaze. This work is inscribed with 'Madoura Plein Feu' and 'Empreinte Originale de Picasso' stamps on the underside.

Documented and Illustrated in:
1) Ramié, Alain, Picasso: Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947 - 1971,
1988, listed as catalogue no 211 on pg 115.

About the Framing:
Museum grade conservation framed in a complimentary moulding with silk mats.