Picasso Prints & Ceramics

One of the most dominant and influential artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso was a master of reinvention. Although most famous for his paintings, Picasso made prints throughout his career — his first in 1899 and his last in 1972. He produced over 2,400 prints using a wide variety of techniques, most notably etchings, lithographs, and linocuts. The upcoming dedicated sale of Picasso Prints & Ceramics, presented by Sotheby’s, highlights an etching titled Jacqueline Lisant. Executed in 1964, the linoleum-cut print showcases Picasso’s second wife and muse Jacqueline Roque reading. One hand raised to her face and eyes cast down, she appears to be in an inner world.

The auction also features over 40 lots of ceramics. In 25 years, from 1947 to 1971, Picasso designed 633 different ceramics. Initially, Picasso produced simple utilitarian objects; he later created more complex forms such as pitchers and vases. The bodies and handles of these often depicted facial features or animals. Featured among these ceramic lots is Vase Deux Anses Hautes. Created in 1953, the vase resembles a woman’s body. The long, elegant neck becomes her head, the handles become her arms, and the round body becomes her veiled torso. View any of these lots and register to bid online on Sotheby’s.