Pablo Picasso Tauromachy Scene, 1957 AR. 393

Trampling upon his opponent, the bull prevails as the victor in this tauromachy scene. Utilizing an eloquent, black silhouette, Picasso represents the bull as an animal capable of destruction. Designed in strong contrast to the red earthenware background, the black bull stands out as an image of strength and force. The use of limited colors and shapes exhibits Picasso's skill in creating a complex image out of a simple combination of elements. The black leaf-life figures around the edge of the plate create a sense of motion and draw the viewer's eye into the central image. Picasso was quite intrigued by the subject of the bull. As one author states, "In the work of Picasso, the bull is like one of those Spanish rivers, turbulent and agitated, which lose themselves among the brambles, rocks, and reeds, only to reappear later at some other place further on, in plain sight. There are times when it appears that the bull is adumbrated even in the 'figures' of the painter, figures as profound as they are debatable and enigmatic" (Marrero, 83).

Created in 1957, this ceramic Picasso plate was created with red earthenware clay with black engobe decoration. Numbered 295/500 (from the total edition of 500), this work is inscribed 'Edition Picasso Madoura' and 'K 117' with the 'Edition Picasso' and 'Madoura Plein Feu' stamps on the underside of the plate.

DOCUMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED IN:
1. Ramié, A. (1988) Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 393 on pg. 203 (another example illustrated).
2. Ramié, Georges. (1976) Picasso Ceramics. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 526 on pg. 202 (another example illustrated).

About the Framing:
Museum-grade conservation framed in a complementary gold moulding with silk mats.