Pablo Picasso Wood Owl's Head, 1969

In England and Ancient Rome it was customary to nail a dead owl to the door to ward off evil, the people believing that this magical animal could protect them. This ceramic, Picasso's representation of an owl, certainly reflects that of protector, but also inquirer. With frenzied line work, and sporadic coloring, it is the details of the engraving on the clay that give such character to this work. As the engraving of the feathers frame the features of the face so perfectly, we admire the cartoon nose, eyes, beak, and eye brows, taking in everything this complex face has to offer.

Created in 1969, this square plaque of red earthenware clay, engobe ground, engraving enchanced with oxides under partial brushed glaze, black patina (white, blue) is from the edition of 100. This work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso Wood Owl's Head, 1969 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. Listed and illustrated in the following: Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: 1988.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.