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BULL’S EYE
Taurreau dans l’arene
It is 1946 when Pablo Picasso visits an annual pottery exhibition. Together with a friend, he travels to Vallauris in southeastern France to admire the ceramics on display. Picasso is deeply impressed by the craftsmanship of the ceramists. The Madoura Pottery Studio stall in particular catches his eye. Picasso is so excited that he asks if can meet the owners. The next moment, Picasso is standing with his feet in the clay, creating three items in the workshop of Suzanne and Georges Ramié.
“It’s said that a good soul can turn stones into bread, and that was certainly true for Picasso.”
It’s said that a good soul can turn stones into bread, and that was certainly true for Picasso. The story goes that he came back a year later to admire his three creations. The quality is so evident that he asks if he might spend some more time in the workshop. The owners agree. Picasso is given his own section in the studio and is given free use of all of the tools and materials. This leads to a partnership that lasts more than 25 years, during which he designs a wide range of items. In exchange, the team of Suzanne and Georges produce and sell his ceramics. Picasso’s ‘earthen artworks’ quickly begin to sell like hot cakes.
Serious discovery
We know Picasso’s artworks as the “Pablo Picasso Ceramics”, the “Picasso Madoura Ceramics” or simply the “Picasso Pottery”. Initially, pottery was merely a side activity for Picasso. Naturally he worked with great care and respect for the materials, but he saw it mainly as a diversion from the pressure of life as an artist. As he worked in the medium, he discovered the versatility and broad range of application possibilities of earthenware. Gradually, he began to see it as a serious expression of his artistry. This resulted in a number of stunning collections.
Bull in the arena
Success works like a red flag in front of a bull. Despite the fact that his pottery work was not taken seriously initially, it is now known worldwide. Picasso’s work is the embodiment of a great spirit: a combination of brilliant technique and intriguing themes. This is reflected in the plate that we now have in our collection. Taurreau dans l’arene, d’apres Picasso and Madoura. Picasso: a resounding name with well-deserved fame.
d’apres Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
Taurreau dans l’arene (A.R. 80)
Stamped: d’apres Picasso en Madoura
Opening bid: € 1000,-