LONDON | 6 SEPTEMBER 2022
LONDON – Picasso Ceramics, an online-only sale of ceramics that exude Pablo Picasso’s celebrated joie de vivre, is live for bidding from 6 to 20 September 2022. Expressed through the artist’s characteristically energetic colours and playful forms, these whimsical works celebrate an unrivalled period in Picasso’s career. Following the uncertainty of the war years, the artist revelled in his newfound zest for life, absorbing and delighting in the light, colour, and deep-seated traditions of the South of France which re-energised his work.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Picasso’s collaboration with the Madoura pottery, a partnership that would last for close to 25 years. This fruitful union brought forth over 600 different editioned designs, alongside many more unique works of all shapes, subjects and sizes. Inspired by tradition and modernity alike, Picasso’s ceramics represent one of his most experimental mediums of creation.
Highlights include a unique work executed in 1949, Oiseau mangeant un ver (1949, estimate: £30,000-50,000). A sophisticated ceramic with fully worked, sinuous strokes, the piece is an archetypal expression of Picasso’s ingenious exploration of playful forms.
Further highlights similarly exhibit the artist’s endless spontaneity and vigour, including Visage aux yeux rieurs (A.R. 608) (1969, estimate: £25,000-35,000) which is offered from a Private European Collection, sold to benefit a charitable foundation, and Visage au nez noir (A.R. 609) (1969, estimate £25,000-35,000) which was executed in a limited edition of 200 examples.
This auction follows the hugely successful Picasso Ceramics online sale held at Christie’s New York in May, which was 100% sold with five lots selling above $100,000.
Highlights from the Picasso Ceramics sale will be on view at Christie’s headquarters in London as part of the sale exhibition from 7 to 20 September 2022.
