In the summer of 1946, Pablo Picasso visited a small town in the south of France called Vallauris. It was here, at a craft exhibition, that he met husband and wife Georges and Suzanne Ramié who owned the Madoura pottery studio. Picasso formed a long-lasting friendship and creative partnership with the Ramiés and they became fundamental to the ceramic production which would engage him for the rest of his career.
Vallauris had been an epicentre of pottery since Roman times, however, by the mid-20th century it held some 400-500 unemployed pottery workers. In 1948, Picasso exhibited original ceramic works he had made at the Madoura pottery studio at the Maison de la Pensée Française in Paris. The exhibition generated renewed interest in the pottery industry and employment for these artisans skyrocketed. Georges Tabaraud, editor of Le Patriote newspaper and friend of Picasso’s, commented, “after he showed his exhibition in the French capital, to the crowds that came to see it, you could have dug up the dead potters and found them work.”1
Picasso’s plentiful production of ceramics elevated this traditional craft to a fine art standing. Today, his ceramics are highly sought after objects with international appeal and make a considerable contribution to any art collection.
What do Picasso ceramics look like?
Picasso began making ceramic wares with the intention of creating functional objects for everyday use such as plates, bowls, and pitchers, some of which he used in his own home or gifted to friends. Eventually his experimentation led him to create more unique and creative designs, inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, bullfighting, Greek mythology, human faces, and animal forms. However, one of the most fundamental influences during this period was his second wife, Jacqueline Roque, whom he met at the Madoura Pottery studio in 1952. Roque was Picasso’s greatest muse and during their relationship he created over 400 portraits of her, more than any of Picasso’s other lovers.
What are ceramic editions?
Picasso produced over 4,000 original ceramic pieces; objects he personally designed and hand crafted. In addition to these unique pieces, he collaborated with Madoura artisans to produce over 600 editions based on his designs or ‘prototypes’. This concept was similar to the way he had previously collaborated with print studios to produce editions of his etchings and lithographs. The ceramic editions were numbered, stamped, or signed as authentic works by the artist. The size of the editions ranged anywhere from 25 to 500 pieces per design.
By producing editions of his ceramics, Picasso was able to fulfil his goal of making his art more accessible to a wider audience of buyers. While his paintings and sculptures were selling for large sums of money, the ceramics represented a more democratic way to serve all levels of his market.
What to consider when buying Picasso ceramics.
Condition is essential when buying any ceramic, however, it’s also important to consider the date and edition number. Earlier editions are less likely to be in perfect condition and the number that an item is within an edition can indicate its age as well. Often for the larger edition sizes, the pieces would be fired in groups and the next group would not be fired until the first had been sold, and so on. If you can’t view the item in person, you can always request a condition report from a specialist. It’s important to note that ceramic is a complex medium and there can often be small imperfections resulting from the production process – these unique characteristics can be part of the beauty of the final piece.
It’s also important to look for the markings on a piece. The signatures and stamps for the editions changed over the decades they were produced, however, the most common markings found on Picasso ceramics read: “Madoura Plein Feu”, “Edition Picasso”, “Empreinte Originale de Picasso”, and “d’Apres Picasso”. These all indicate the piece is an authentic limited edition.
Finally, one may wish to consider the relative value of the piece. Whilst many Picasso ceramics are available for under $20,000, some sell for much higher. The more coveted works are typically those of a larger scale, more decorative or ornate in design, and made in smaller edition sizes. People also tend to gravitate towards popular motifs such as the owl or pieces featuring Jacqueline.
The huge variety in the shapes, designs, and colours of these works has been part of their enduring appeal and shows that there is a Picasso ceramic for everyone.
1. Miguel Ángel García Vega, 11 January 2024, “The Market Heats up for Picasso’s Ceramics”, retrieved 21 August 2024 from https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-01-11/the-market-heats-up-for-picassos-ceramics.html
Madeleine Norton, Head of Decorative Arts & Art, Sydney
Top Image: Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) with his pottery, 1953 / Keystone Pictures USA, Alamy
October 2024