Pablo Picasso: Ceramics at the Arlington Museum of Art

A Dear Friend and The Travelling Toe spent a hour visiting the latest exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art.  The Museum's exhibit was "Pablo Picasso:Ceramics".  

Pablo Picasso

Normally one does not relate Picasso to works of ceramics.  But around 1946, he visited the Madoura Pottery works,which was located in Southern France and owned by Georges and Suzanne Ramies. During the tour, Picasso took an avid interest in the production of ceramics and pottery.  The owners of the company set up space dedicated for Picasso to create his own works of art.  Out of that partnership approximately 633 pieces of plates, bowls,vases and pitchers were created. 

Picasso  created the designs and often the models.  Each piece created had a limited number re-created  by the Madoura potters from Picasso's molds.  The limited editions ranged from as few as 25 to as many of 500 of a particular piece.

The exhibit we saw had over 40 ceramics on display.  We found them all  to be interesting and actually more enjoyable than his paintings.  Some we compared to Grecian or Etruscan pottery and some featured various animals and a few were human faces motif.  

Due to the Picasso name and the limited number produced of each piece of work, interest in them has increased, as well as their value. Recently on the Antiques Roadshow, several have been brought in to be appraised.  Depending on condition, limited number created, subject matter, and other factors, they have been appraised in value from $10,000 to $20,000.

Check the site below to find out more information.

PBS Antiques Roadshow

So when you are out junkin' be on the lookout for them!.  Here is an example of one found on the internet.

Photographs of the exhibit were not allowed in the museum, but The Travelling Toe was able to photograph some of the display cards.

This is a photo that was on display of Picasso showing his Doxie a plate he had made featuring the doggie (so cute)

Display cards that provided additional information on Picasso and his ceramics phase are shown

Arlington Art Museum
Arlington Museum of Art