A name synonymous with paint, poise and perspective, Pablo Picasso left an indelible mark on the art world. One of the most influential minds of the 20th century, his flair and flamboyancy led to a body of work that remains unmatched.
Picasso is famed for his paintings and collages. However, his three-dimensional works add depth to an already extensive portfolio. His sculptures speak volumes on shape and space and their interdependence upon one another. Meanwhile, his ceramics shed light on a more tactile side to an artist known for cubist canvases.
The Sotheby’s London Picasso Ceramics auction
From 20 June 2025, the highly anticipated Picasso Ceramics auction returns to Sotheby’s London. The prolific artist produced an array of these items, with some of the best examples made available via the event.
Showcasing both form and function, the collection will include practical works of pottery as well as more abstract, sculptural pieces. The auction focuses on the examples Picasso produced during his years in the south of France, in collaboration with the renowned Madoura Pottery. The Sotheby’s London auction closes on 27 June with additional consignments currently being accepted. Find out more or register to bid.
The creative rebirth of a modern master
Picasso was already 65 years old by the time he first entered the atelier of Madoura Pottery. Nestled among the olive groves and citrus trees of France’s glittering south coast, the idyllic commune of Vallauris provided the backdrop for a focal shift. At this point, Picasso had produced around 40,000 works of art and become the most famous living artist in the world.
Vallauris was known for its pottery pedigree. However, the terracotta-toned houses and sun-drenched squares belied the fact that its kilns were cold. Europe was only just beginning to recover from World War II and pottery wasn’t a priority.
Nonetheless, isolated from the residual horrors of conflict, Picasso was able to concentrate on a new creative venture. He toured the studio, met owners Georges and Suzanne Ramié and learned about the craft. During what many assumed was the December of his career, he then set about starting a project that would consume the next 25 years of his life.
Life and legend, expressed in clay
Picasso’s ceramics era allowed him to push his creativity further. His works include plates, jugs, vases and tiles as well as sculptural pieces. He would embellish these pieces with sgraffito, carving or painting, often with imagery inspired by nature and mythology. His “visage” plates feature numerous stylised faces, sometimes using bold, abstract lines inspired by his earlier cubist works.
Picasso painted many pieces with marine motifs or bull-and-faun designs and created jugs that resemble human heads. Inspired by an injured owl that he nursed back to health, he also produced many vases shaped and painted to resemble his pet.
Picasso’s standout ceramic works
Executed around 1947, Cabri is a sculptural ceramic vase painted to depict a baby goat. It was sold by Sotheby’s in a white glove auction in 2015 for £485,000, over four times its pre-sale low estimate. Vase positif négatif is a sizable jug with a section cut out to resemble the silhouette of a vase. Painted and partially glazed, this unique piece was sold by Sotheby’s for £365,000, exceeding its high estimate.
Other examples have achieved even greater final selling prices. Crafted in 1950, the prototype for his Grand Vase aux Femmes Voilées line sold for more than £1.1m, while in 2013, a subsequent example fetched £735,650. Pictured above, the eye-catching piece Visage aux Yeux Rieurs (A. R. 608) was also sold by Sotheby’s for £50,800.
An enduring creative legacy
Picasso continued to create ceramic works up until his death in 1973. This long final chapter produced a distinctly corporial body of work, comprising around 4,000 items, and secured a renowned reputation that will outlast the majority of 20th-century greats. Picasso’s ceramic works have steadily risen in value over subsequent decades and are now some of the most sought-after items in the world of art collecting.
The cultural permeation of Picasso’s creative contribution continues to this day. A cornerstone of modern artistic culture, he remains relevant through his works and his proponents. Household names who have invested in Picasso’s art include Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Sotheby’s: Purveyors of provenance
Founded in 1744, Sotheby’s is a brand associated with prestige and pedigree. Entrusted with the world’s most valuable possessions, the auction house has facilitated an array of record-breaking sales.
In conjunction with Sotheby’s, we are pleased to offer existing clients of United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty complimentary home visits to appraise jewellery, artwork and other precious pieces. Your details will be handled with the utmost discretion and there is no obligation to enter items into an auction. To enquire, please ask your property advisor.
