Pablo Picasso, Face with Black Nose and Laughing-eyed Face, 1969 A.R. 608 - 609

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Visage au nez noir (Face with Black Nose) and Visage aux yeux rieurs (Laughing-eyed Face), 1969
Reference:A.R. 608-609
Medium:Pair of Madoura white earthenware clay turned pitchers with decoration in engobes (black, green, blue, white, red) engraved by knife under partial brushed glaze with grey patina.
Image Size:DIMENSIONS: 13 in x 9 in (33 cm x 23 cm) each
Edition:Both works numbered from the edition of 200.
Signature:Both works are inscribed 'EDITION PICASSO MADOURA' with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on the underside.
Condition:Both works are in excellent condition.
ID #w-5312

Historical Description

Endlessly fascinated with the human face, Picasso created a range of ceramics that address this subject. In Pablo Picasso Ceramic Visage au nez noir  (Face with Black Nose) A.R. 608 and Visage aux yeux rieurs (Laughing-eyed Face), 1969 A.R. 609 Here we witness one of Picasso's more eye-catching examples, as a curious, wide-eyed face gazes out at us. Bold strokes of color and engraved lines define this intricately conveyed human face. This marvelous pair of ceramics is particularly noteworthy for its decorative details such as the sun-like strokes surrounding each eye, the parallel diagonals that delineate the nose, and the large blue stripes upon the handle. Picasso defines his subject with recessed lines and applications of color under a partial brushed glaze, adding an element of texture and shine to this already mesmerizing piece. There is something truly hypnotic about Picasso ceramic Face with Black Nose and Laughing-eyed Face, as Picasso draws us in with his swirling lines and bold, gestural strokes.

Created in 1969, these white earthenware clay turned pitchers are decorated in engobes (black, green, blue, white, red) engraved by knife under partial brushed glaze with grey patina. These pieces are from the numbered edition of 200 and are inscribed 'EDITION PICASSO MADOURA' with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on the underside.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso Ceramic Face with Black Nose (Visage au nez noir ) and Laughing-eyed Face (Visage aux yeux rieurs), 1969 fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final sale of the work):

1. Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 609.

2. Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 608.

3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany these works.