Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). "Nature Morte" (Still Life) ceramic plate, 1953. Reference: A. Ramie 219. Ed. 400. Marked with handwritten "EDITION PICASSO" in black as well as "D'APRES PICASSO" and "MADOURA PLEIN FEU" stamps on the underside. Picasso's "Nature Morte" is a lovely oval terre de faience dish made of white earthenware clay, partially engraved, with colored engobe and glaze in white, teal, sienna, black, and blue hues over a matte charcoal grey ground. The imagery features Picasso's abstract interpretation of a still life - fruit and vessels with stylized flourishes - and a decorative border comprised of a running zigzag punctuated by teal oval motifs. Size: 12" L x 15" W (30.5 cm x 38.1 cm)

The year Picasso created this ceramic, 1953, was somewhat tumultuous on a personal level for the artist. Picasso met Jacqueline, hostess at Madoura pottery with whom he became romantically involved, which prompted Francoise Gilot to leave him. Francoise and Picasso had been together for almost 10 years and had two children together.

Pablo Picasso collaborated with the Madoura pottery studio to create ceramic works for almost 25 years. Georges and Suzanne Ramie founded the Madoura Pottery studio in Vallauris, France. The Ramies are probably best known for their wonderful collaborations with Picasso which resulted in an impressive oeuvre of Picasso ceramics. The Madoura pottery studio (Madoura being an acronym for MAison + DOUly (Suzanne’s maiden name) + Ramie) opened in an abandoned factory building on April 29th, 1938. Picasso first discovered the Madoura workshop in 1946 and from then on maintained a 24-year collaboration, creating works inspired by his sketches.

Christie's UK sold a "Nature Morte" plate (lot 33, September 10-22, 2021) for $17,752.

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#171810

This ceramic is in good condition save a few slight scuffs and abrasions. Stilt marks on underside are inherent to production. Slight remains of museum wax on base that was applied to stabilize the vessel. Marked with handwritten "EDITION PICASSO" in black as well as "D'APRES PICASSO" and "MADOURA PLEIN FEU" stamps on the underside which indicates an authentic limited edition (see Christie's "Picasso ceramics: An essential guide to stamps and markings" for more on this).