Conceived in 1952, and executed in a small edition of 50, Pichet à glace is a sophisticated example of Picasso’s masterful skill in utilising the complex vessel shape of the pitcher to explore the femme motif; a popular subject for the artist. This work employs mark-making to the surface creating large eyebrows and simple brushstrokes to create the eyes, nose and mouth. Here, Picasso experiments with the sgraffito technique, a method employed since renaissance times, where the glaze is scraped away to reveal the underlying ceramic texture and colour. The vibrant and painterly design and highly sgraffitoed surface perfectly exemplify Picasso's playful and highly inventive approach to ceramics.

Pichet à glace was purchased in the early 1960s by the present owner's father and has remained in the same important Italian family ever since.





Post Lot Text
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