1953 Vase Е deux anses hautes Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1943-1961

The ceramic object presents a stylized human form integrated into a vessel design. The overall impression is one of primitive power and symbolic representation rather than functional utility. Here we see a vase with two high handles, its shape elongated and tapering towards the neck and mouth.
The surface is predominantly cream-colored, providing a neutral backdrop for the applied black markings that define the figure’s features and structure. The face, positioned at the upper portion of the vase, possesses an almost mournful expression; large, almond-shaped eyes are rendered with minimal detail, while a downward curve suggests sadness or introspection. A simple floral motif sits above the brow, offering a slight contrast to the somber countenance below.
The body of the vessel is dominated by a series of angular lines and geometric shapes that suggest breasts and an abdomen. Two circular forms, also delineated in black, are positioned prominently on the front, evoking the appearance of stylized mammary glands. These are further emphasized by radiating lines emanating from their centers, creating a sense of dynamism and perhaps fertility. The lower portion of the vase is marked with a series of overlapping triangular shapes that contribute to its overall complexity and visual weight.
The handles, attached laterally near the widest part of the vessel, are simple loops, echoing the geometric forms found elsewhere in the design. They appear almost like extensions of the figure’s arms, further blurring the line between object and representation.
Subtly, a sense of confinement is conveyed through the integration of the human form into the rigid structure of the vase. The figure appears trapped within its ceramic shell, suggesting themes of limitation or perhaps an exploration of identity constrained by societal expectations. The stark contrast between the cream-colored background and the black markings creates a visual tension that reinforces this feeling of unease. The overall effect is one of deliberate simplification, reducing the human form to essential elements while imbuing it with a profound sense of symbolic meaning.