Picasso and Madoura

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Artistic ceramics is a tradition at Vallauris. We shall certainly discuss later in this group the Massier family. In 1946, at the annual exhibition in the village, Picasso stops at the Madoura table. Madoura is a couple: Georges Ramié and his wife Suzanne born Douly. They collaborated directly with Picasso during more than ten years afterwards.

Picasso liked to work the material, and his ceramics are not conventional. He did here several hundred artworks, published between 100 and 500 copies each, of various shapes and designs.

These are twelve, to be sold separately, at Christie's in New York on July 22. Prices depend on the edited quantity, size, condition, and shape. The most expensive of these pieces have a low estimate of 3 K$.

It's summer, it is certainly a very nice weather today in Vallauris, let us take this vacation time opportunity to change our habits. I present to you the cheapest piece of this set.

Lot 95, estimated $ 800, is the smallest (16 cm diameter), from a 1952 edition of 500 copies. There is a perched bird like a raven, with ruffled feathers, under the sun.

A true multiple of Picasso edited under control of the master for such a prize: life is beautiful!

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

It was a success. The twelve Picasso Madoura lots were sold. Only four of them were below $ 3 K: the three little ones, and a large dish whose condition was not very good.

The maximum price, $ 6.8 K premium included, was recorded on a vase with handles decorated with a figure of the sun: in ceramics, shape is often more important than decoration.

The nice crow (lot 95) was paid $ 1125 premium included, confirming the affordability of Picasso ceramics for individuals . It has not reached its high estimate, which was $ 1200.