Pablo Picasso, Set of Four Ceramics Sculptures, 1965 A.R. 535 - 538

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Set of Four Ceramic Sculptures, 1965
Reference:A.R. 535 - 537
Medium:Terre de faïence sculpture with white slip
Image Size:11 1/2 in x 10 in x 2 1/2 in (29 cm x 24 cm x 6 cm), R.537: 11 in x 3 3/8 in x 2 1/4 in (27.9 cm x 8.6 cm x 5.7 cm), A.R.535: 11 3/8 in x 4 1/4 in x 1/4 in (28.8 cm x 10.8 cm x 0.6 cm), R.536: 2 1/4 in x 1 3/4 in x 11 1/4 in (5.7 cm x 4.4 cm x 28.6 cm)
Edition:Each numbered from their editions of 50 on the sculptural base.
Signature:Stamped with the ‘MADOURA PLEIN FEU’ and ‘EDITION PICASSO’ pottery stamps on the back of the base.
Condition:These works are in excellent condition.
ID #w-6799

Historical Description

This set of Picasso ceramic figures is an incredibly special work that is captivating and fun for the viewer. The largest figure, Footballeur (Footballer), is 11 1/2 in x 10 in x 2 1/2 in (29 cm x 24 cm x 6 cm) and the smallest figure, Gross tete, profil gauche, is 11 in x 3 3/8 in x 2 1/4 in (27.9 cm x 8.6 cm x 5.7 cm) and all of the figures can be viewed in the round. The figures as a set create a playful composition, with endless possibilities of display. Placing the figures at odds with each other or lining them up together can create dynamic relationships between the ceramics. The set can be constantly rearranged, and the viewer can make new and exciting combinations whenever they desire. As the figures can be displayed from all sides, they each cast unique shadows and depending on their arrangement the interactions of these shadows can be wonderfully playful. All four of the ceramics are in pristine condition. The slip casting is perfectly preserved and glows a soft white. They are each numbered from an edition size of 50, which is an incredibly small edition size for Picasso ceramics. Many Picasso ceramics on the market are from editions of 350 to 500, making this set incredibly rare. The playful and interactive nature of these ceramic figures combined with their near perfect condition and rarity make this set incredibly valuable and extraordinary.

Created in 1965, this set of four Picasso ceramics (Footballeur; Grosse tete, profil gauche; Petite tete, profil gauche; Grosse tete, profil droit) A.R. 535 - 538 are terre de faience sculpture with a white slip casting. They are all number from their own editions of 50, which is incised on the sculptural base, and stamped with the ‘MADOURA PLEIN FEU’ and ‘EDITION PICASSO’ pottery stamps on the back of the base.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramics Footballeur; Grosse tete, profil gauche; Petite tete, profil gauche; and Grosse tete, profil droit A.R. 535 - 538 are 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 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. 535 - 538 on pg. 267.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.