Mat owl, rectangular dish
(1955)
- Medium
- eartheware
- Measurements
- 4.1 × 32.1 × 38.7 cm
- Place/s of Execution
- Vallauris, France
- Edition
- edition of 450
- Inscription
- impressed (vertically) in base c.: MADOURA / (fire) / PLEIN / FEU
impressed (vertically) base c.: EDITION PICASSO
painted (vertically) in black l.c.: EDITION / PICASSO/ MADOurA - Accession Number
- 2020.74
- Department
- International Decorative Arts
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, 2020
© Sucession Picasso/Copyright Agency - Gallery location
- Late 19th & early 20th Century Paintings & Decorative Arts Gallery
Level 2, NGV International - About this work
-
Picasso’s genius at capturing the essence of his subject through bold line work is demonstrated in the curmudgeonly owl depicted on this dish. Using the concave form, Picasso has managed to convey a three-dimensional sense of the owl’s body that follows the inner form of the dish. The dish is coated in a matt black glaze, referencing the inky blackness of the night and the owl is depicted sitting on a branch, surrounded by stars. Picasso’s subtle blending of blue and brown glazes for the stars creates a perfect sense of their twinkling brightness in the night sky.
