Pablo Picasso Three Fishes on Grey Ground, 1957

This fabulous platter is unlike any other in Masterworks' collection; the elaborate fish detail and stunning knife engraving not only graces the front of the dish, but continues to the back as well. The entire work is basked in a brilliant crème white, while the hand-carved knife engraving exposes the red earthenware clay underneath, allowing for a beautiful contrast of deep reds and whites. At different angles, the subtle grey coloration blends the two extremes into a soft salmon-pink color; consistent with its themes and subject matter. The decorative elements of the composition echoes that of some Greek models of ceramics, pottery, and decoration that Picasso looked to for inspiration.

Created on April 11, 1957, this original turned round dish is made of red earthenware clay with decoration in engobes in white, red, and grey; knife-engraved on the front and back. With inscribed stamps on the underside of the dish, 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU | EDITION PICASSO' and also hand engraved on the underside '32/175 | EDITION PICASSO'; out of the total edition of 175 works produced.

Illustrated in:
1) Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec (2004). Picasso & Ceramics. Édition Hazan: Québec. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 71 on pgs. 210-1.
2) Ramié, A. (1988). Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 396 on pg. 205 (another variant illustrated).
3) Ramié, G. (1976). Picasso's Ceramics. Viking Press: NY. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 550 on pg. 207.

Provenance:
~ From the Property of an Important American Collection

About the Framing:
This resplendent custom frame is the perfect elegant compliment to this remarkable work. Framing begins with white, linen-wrapped wooden liners that securely hold the ceramic and allow visibility in the back (to view markings). A contemporary black, varnished frame encases the wood liners and perfectly complements the sleek white coloration within the ceramic. A heavy weight picture wire is attached to the frame to ensure a secure hanging. Due to the size and weight of this piece, we recommend using a heavy duty double nail hook with 100-150 pound weight capacity (double the weight of the piece to determine hook capacity).