Reference

Ramie, Alain. Picasso: Catalogue of the Edited Ceramic Works 1947–1971. Galerie Madoura, Vallauris, 1988. (Catalogue No. 476, illustrated p.246)

Created by

Madoura Pottery, Vallauris, France

Dimensions

Diameter: 25 cm (10 in.)

Provenance

Private collection, Israel.

Condition

A well-preserved example with bright glazes and strong colour saturation. The reverse bearing the standard Madoura workshop inscriptions and edition numbering.

Catalogue Note

Executed in 1963, Visage No. 111 belongs to Picasso's celebrated series of editioned ceramic plates produced in collaboration with the Madoura workshop in Vallauris. Following his discovery of ceramics in the late 1940s, Picasso embraced the medium with extraordinary enthusiasm, transforming traditional pottery forms into vehicles for his endlessly inventive graphic language.

The present work demonstrates the remarkable economy with which Picasso could evoke character and expression. A face emerges from a handful of bold, calligraphic strokes: a vertical green line defines the nose, sweeping blue curves suggest the cheeks, while vivid accents of red and black animate the composition with humour and vitality. The deliberately simplified features recall both the spontaneity of a child's drawing and the expressive power of ancient Mediterranean ceramics, influences that Picasso frequently combined throughout his ceramic oeuvre.

The circular form of the plate becomes an integral part of the composition, allowing the face to occupy the entire surface while the radiating border marks lend the work a playful, almost sun-like presence. Characteristic of Picasso's ceramic production, the object successfully blurs the distinction between functional pottery and autonomous work of art.

Produced in an edition of 500 at the Madoura pottery in Vallauris, Visage No. 111 exemplifies Picasso's ability to transform everyday objects through invention, wit and graphic brilliance. The work remains one of the most engaging and immediately recognisable examples from his highly sought-after ceramic production.