Pablo Picasso, Centaure (Centaur), 1965

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Centaure (Centaur), 1965
Medium:Virtually Unique Original Glass Sculpture with Pigment
Image Size:DIMENSIONS: 13 in x 11 1/2 in x 4 in (33 cm x 29.2 cm x 10.2 cm)
Edition:A virtually unique work.
Signature:This work is inscribed on the bottom ‘Picasso/Rova-A/F.A. 1964’ on the underside.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #W-5697

Historical Description

Picasso Centaure (Centaur), 1965 is a rare example of the artist’s skill with glass. In this striking glass sculpture, Picasso creates a lifelike Centaur which is decorated with yellow spots. Aside from being an incredibly rare work, this sculpture is also visually impressive. The quality of the glass is excellent as it has texture, form and color. The aquamarine blue glass is resplendent, and becomes more impressive in the sunlight. The shimmering blue hues illuminate the subject, captivating the viewer’s eye. The centaur is also quite charming. His face is adorned with blonde hair and a thick, blonde beard. Sitting atop his head are two small yellow horns. The yellow coloring also highlights his form and the shape of his tail. His left arm is slightly raised, as if gesticulating to his viewer. This glass sculpture was created in partnership with Egidio Constantini of Fucina Angeli.

Picasso's relationship with Egidio Constantini echoes his partnership with the Madoura Pottery in Vallauris, France. The two men initially met in Vallauris in 1954, though their working relationship would begin a few years later, due in part to Peggy Guggenheim's invitation for Picasso to come to Venice. While Suzanne and Georges Ramié created large editions based on original prototypes created by Picasso, Constantini translated the artist's drawings into glass sculptures produced in very limited editions. This master of La Fucina degli Angeli (the Forge of the Angels), Murano, transformed the centuries-old tradition of Italian glass blowing into a modern art. A 1965 exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, recognized the importance of these rare sculptures, which are housed in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, amongst other notable collections.

Created in 1964, this virtually unique glass sculpture with pigment is inscribed on the bottom ‘Picasso/Rova-A/F.A. 1964’ on the underside.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

1. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.