Endlessly fascinated with the human face, Picasso created a range of ceramics that address this subject. In Pablo Picasso ceramic Visage gravé, fond grège (Engraved Face, Grege Ground), 1947 we witness one of Picasso's more bewitching examples, as an adorable, childlike face gazes out. With a sleek nose, v-shaped mouth, and circular cheeks, this delightful figure instantly captures our hearts. Picasso not only paints this piece to define the various facial characteristics, but also creates indentations in the clay - such as the marks that become the circular cheeks. The use of many techniques to depict detailed facial features makes the plate's composition more complex. Picasso defines his subject with recessed lines and patches of midnight blue hues placed against a glossy, yellow backdrop. The colors work marvelously together, and are soft and comforting. Deceptively simple, this work conveys a clear sense of expression with minimal detail, exemplifying Picasso's immense skill at depicting more with less. The entire face is surrounded in a delicately dotted border, adding a charming decorative touch to this exquisite work. With the yellow of the face, the dots also can be interpreted as rays, suddenly causing the face in the plate to look like a sun.

Created in 1947, this white earthenware clay rectangular dish is decorated in engobes (blue, straw-coloured ground) under yellow glaze. From the edition of 200, this work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Engraved Face, Grege Ground (Visage gravé, fond grège), 1947 is 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. 29 on pg. 33.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.