Pablo Picasso Visage gravé noir is a striking and highly sculptural Picasso ceramic vase that demonstrates the artist’s extraordinary ability to transform a traditional vessel into a human face.

Executed almost entirely in deep black engobe, the vase takes on a mysterious, mask-like presence, with Picasso using the rounded body of the vessel as the face itself. Incised and modeled lines define the eyes, arched nose, smiling mouth, and contours of the face, while the elongated neck rises dramatically above the composition. The restrained monochromatic palette places particular emphasis on form, texture, and Picasso’s expressive line, giving the work a distinctly sculptural quality. Faces, masks, and the transformation of functional vessels into human and mythological characters were among the most important recurring themes in Pablo Picasso’s Madoura ceramics, and Visage gravé noir is an especially elegant example of this experimentation. Created in 1953 at the Madoura pottery in Vallauris, France, and produced in an edition of only 100, this work combines Picasso’s interests in ceramics, sculpture, portraiture, and ancient Mediterranean pottery within a single compelling object. Its relatively small edition, bold black surface, and immediately recognizable Picasso facial imagery make Visage gravé noir an especially desirable example for collectors of original Pablo Picasso ceramics.

Created in 1953, Pablo Picasso Visage gravé noir, 1953 A.R. 210 is a white earthenware ceramic vase, partially engraved and decorated with black engobe. The work is inscribed “EDITION PICASSO” and bears the “MADOURA PLEIN FEU” and “EDITION PICASSO” pottery stamps on the underside. This Picasso ceramic was created in an edition of 100.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso's Visage gravé noir, 1953 A.R. 210 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 an illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 210.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this Picasso ceramic.

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