Perched black owl, round dish
1957
Medium
earthenware
Measurements
6.4 × 43.1 cm diameter
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by John and Cecily Adams, and the Norma Atwell Bequest, 2020
© Sucession Picasso/Copyright Agency
Gallery location
Late 19th & early 20th Century Paintings & Decorative Arts Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
In this terracotta dish with matt black decoration, Picasso was clearly paying homage to ancient Greek vases. His interest in the owl was also a reference to the importance of the owl in ancient Greece – the owl being a symbol of the goddess Athena and of the city of Athens. The owl was a favourite subject of Picasso, which he returned to regularly throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Many of his works are no doubt inspired by the pet owl that lived in his studio.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Vallauris, France
Edition
ed. 45/100
Inscription
impressed in base c.: MADOURA / (…illeg.) / PLEIN / FEU
impressed in base c.: EDITION / PICASSO
incised in outside rim l.l.: N 104 45/100
Accession Number
2020.725
Department
International Decorative Arts