By 1956 Picasso had been working for ten years at the Madoura pottery works in Vallauris, producing decorated ceramics, including platters. While examining some recent work with art historian Douglas Cooper, Picasso commented how splendid they would look in silver, but lamented not knowing anyone who could undertake this project. Cooper proposed that the artist engage the assistance of silversmith François Hugo. In September, 1956 an agreement was made by which Picasso would provide nineteen plates in biscuit for Hugo to execute in silver. The project was completed in about a year, and during the following eight years Picasso and Hugo continued to collaborate on other platters, bowls, medallions and free-standing figurines.
PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973)
Details
PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973)
Plat: Visage de faune
dated '28.6.55'--stamped with signature, the silversmith's mark of François and Pierre Hugo and numbered on the underside 'Picasso 20/20'--silver repoussé
Diameter: 9¾in. (24.7cm.)
Plat: Visage de faune
dated '28.6.55'--stamped with signature, the silversmith's mark of François and Pierre Hugo and numbered on the underside 'Picasso 20/20'--silver repoussé
Diameter: 9¾in. (24.7cm.)
Literature
D. Cooper, Picasso, 19 plats en argent par François et Pierre Hugo, Paris, 1977, n.p. (another plate illustrated)