Four human profiles merge together seamlessly in this stunning abstract piece. The viewer can pinpoint each unique profile, yet when placed together, a multitude of obscured faces appear. This piece gives the impression of circular motion, as if the profiles are rotating around a central point, encouraging the viewer to walk around and observe the piece from various angles. The delicate flicks of leaf-like decoration surrounding the profiles add to this sense of motion and compliment the simple, curved lines from which the profiles are formed. On the verso, Picasso continues with this theme of circular motion. The image on the reverse resembles that of a wheel, with a central, circular point from which dancing lines shoot out towards the border.

Created in 1949, this original round/square plate is made of white earthenware clay with decoration in engobes (blue and black) under glaze. Hand-signed, dated, and dedicated by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) 'Pour Agard Picasso Le 12.12.49' with inscribed stamps 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO' on the verso. This work is from the total edition of 25. Also included is a photograph of Picasso holding this piece.

Illustrated in:
1. Bloch, G. (1972) Pablo Picasso, Tome III Catalogue de l'œuvre grave céramique 1949 - 1971. Editions Kornfeld et Klipstein: Berne. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 1 on pg. 20 (another variant illustrated).
2. Ramié, A. (1988) Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 84 on pg. 54 (another variant illustrated).