1968 Visage Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1962-1973

The ceramic object presents a stylized human face integrated into the form of a vessel with a handle. The surface is predominantly cream-colored, providing a backdrop for a complex arrangement of painted details. A prominent nose, rendered in dark brown, dominates the central axis of the visage. Eyes are depicted as almond-shaped forms outlined in black and filled with a lighter hue, conveying an expression that appears both melancholic and observant. The mouth is represented by a broad, upward curve, suggesting a subtle smile or perhaps a muted expression of surprise.
Around the face, decorative motifs flourish. Concentric circles composed of green and blue dots punctuate the handle and upper portion of the vessel. Stylized foliage, executed in shades of green and brown, frames the face, creating an almost ceremonial aura. The artist employed bold outlines to define shapes and delineate areas of color, contributing to a flattened perspective characteristic of certain artistic traditions.
The choice of ceramic as a medium lends a tactile quality to the work, contrasting with the two-dimensional nature of the painted imagery. The vessel’s function – likely intended for holding liquids – introduces an element of domesticity that subtly interacts with the monumental presence of the face. This juxtaposition suggests a blurring of boundaries between the functional and the symbolic, hinting at a deeper exploration of human identity within everyday objects.
The overall effect is one of controlled chaos; while the composition appears somewhat fragmented, there’s a deliberate arrangement to the elements that prevents it from feeling entirely random. The work evokes associations with ritualistic masks or ancestral portraits, suggesting themes of heritage, memory, and the enduring power of human expression.