Vase with Goats

Picasso became actively involved in the production of ceramics after visiting the Madoura pottery centre in the south of France in the summer of 1946. Enchanted by a form of expression that combined elements of sculpture, drawing and painting, he moved to Vallauris the following year to fully learn the technique. His interest in ceramics continued throughout his life. While Picasso sometimes used the traditional shapes of Madoura pottery, he transformed them to create even more extravagant designs. The prototype for this vase was created on June 6, 1952. The artist incised two views of the same goat into the unbaked clay: on one side, he showed the animal in full movement, almost galloping around the vase, and on the other side, he carved its head in profile. Forty examples were made: this is considered a limited edition, making it quite rare. These vases differ not only in colour but also in the type of glaze used, which is matte or enamelled. The Museum’s Vase with Goats is distinguished by its electric-blue background and enamelled finish.