Pablo Picasso, Colombe Mate (Mat Dove), 1948

Artist: Pablo Picasso (1881 - 1973)
Title:Colombe Mate (Mat Dove), 1948
Reference:Ramié 77
Medium:Madoura rectangular dish of white earthenware clay with decoration in engobes (red, yellow, black), knife engraved under partial brushed glaze
Image Size:DIMENSIONS: 14 3/4 in x 12 3/16 in (37 1/2 cm x 31 cm)
Edition:From the edition of 450.
Signature:This work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-5246

Historical Description

In Pablo Picasso ceramic Colombe Mate (Mat Dove), 1948, a beautiful dove rests atop a bed of straw, framed by a border reminiscent of red clay bricks. The dove, a universal symbol for peace, is a re-occurring subject in Picasso's works. Picasso had an artistic and personal connection to the animal as he sometimes kept them as pets. In this ceramic, Picasso depicts a fairly life-like dove, one that lacks the sharp pointed angles of abstraction that his other works sometimes display. In this piece, he pays particular attention to contrast and texture, as deep lines define each tuft and feather. The brushstrokes that make up the white feathers of the dove carry the same texture as the bed of straw, bringing a unity to the dish. The dove is stark white, standing out against the dark matte black background. The glossy finish around the edges of the piece encourages viewer interaction, shimmering to capture the light and drawing us in to this image of peace and beauty.

The rectangular dish was a favorite shape of Picasso's that he explored rather early in his ceramic career and continued to experiment with. Its large size allows for a good sized canvas for decoration, the wide lip is excellent for decorative schemes, and the dish can be oriented both landscape and profile. Picasso took advantage of all these features to push the medium to its extremes and create his ceramic masterpieces.

Created in 1948, this original rectangular dish of white earthenware clay with decoration in engobes (red, yellow, black) is knife engraved under partial brushed glaze. From the edition of 450, this work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Mat Dove (Colombe Mate), 1948 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final sale of the work):

1. Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 77.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.