Aztec Vase with Four Faces
Artist
Pablo Picasso
(Spanish, 1881-1973)
Manufacturer
Madoura
(French)
Date1957
MediumEarthenware
DimensionsOverall: 21 1/2 in. (54.6 cm)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.1068
Terms
- Vallauris
- France
On View
Not on viewLabel TextPablo Picasso Spanish, 1881–1973 Manufactured by Madoura (Vallauris, France) Earthenware Jug (Painted Head), 1953 Plate (Four Enlaced Profiles), 1949 Plate (Four Enlaced Profiles), 1949 Aztec Vase with Four Faces, 1957 Vase (Wood Owl with Feathers), 1951 Gifts of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.3077, 71.3521, 71.1063, 71.1068, 71.1067, respectively Pablo Picasso admired the work of the Madoura Pottery Factory while summering in Vallauris, a town in the south of France. With the help of owner Suzanne Ramie, he began in 1947 to explore ceramics as a new artistic medium, returning to Madoura’s studio regularly for the next 25 years. Through these collaborations, Picasso ultimately created more than 600 designs for plates, bowls, vases, and jugs, all hand-painted and sold in limited editions of varying size. Picasso’s favorite themes—bullfights, animals, still lifes, and Cubist faces—take on new and colorful energy in these works.