Picasso: Ceramics, Prints & Multiples by Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) is the most recognized artist of the 20th century, and his work spans painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics. While his unique paintings sell for tens of millions, Picasso also produced a vast body of editioned work -- ceramics, lithographs, etchings, linocuts, and posters -- that makes collecting original Picasso works accessible across a wide range of budgets. His ceramics, produced at the Madoura pottery in Vallauris, France, from 1947 to 1971, and his extensive print oeuvre offer authentic Picasso ownership from a few hundred dollars to six figures.
Categories & Identification
Ceramics (Madoura)
- Edition pieces: Plates, bowls, vases, and plaques produced in numbered editions (typically 25-500) at Madoura under Picasso's supervision
- Empreinte originale: Pieces bearing Picasso's original fingerprints or hand-marks in the clay
- Marks: Authentic pieces carry "Madoura" and "Edition Picasso" stamps, sometimes with Picasso's signature
- Posthumous editions: Some editions were completed after Picasso's death; these are less valuable than pieces produced during his lifetime
Prints
- Etchings: Including the Vollard Suite (1930-1937, 100 plates) and 347 Suite (1968)
- Lithographs: Produced primarily at the Mourlot workshop in Paris
- Linocuts: Bold, colorful prints made by cutting linoleum blocks; highly decorative
- Posters: Exhibition and bullfight posters, often printed in large editions
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster (exhibition, unsigned) | $200 | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Linocut (signed, numbered) | $5,000 | $20,000 | $80,000 |
| Lithograph (signed, numbered) | $3,000 | $15,000 | $100,000+ |
| Etching (Vollard Suite) | $10,000 | $40,000 | $200,000+ |
| Ceramic plate (edition) | $2,000 | $8,000 | $30,000 |
| Ceramic pitcher/vase | $5,000 | $20,000 | $80,000+ |
| Unique ceramic | $20,000 | $100,000 | $500,000+ |
Condition Factors
- Prints must be examined for foxing, toning, fading, and margin trimming; full margins are essential for top value
- Ceramics should be free of chips, cracks, and restoration; examine under UV light for repairs
- Signature and numbering must be authentic; pencil signatures on prints should show natural graphite characteristics
- Edition size affects value: smaller editions and artist's proofs command premiums
- Framing quality matters for prints; acid-free matting and UV-protective glass preserve value
Collecting Tips
- Authentication is critical: Picasso fakes are among the most common in the art market; buy only with documented provenance or from established dealers
- The Madoura ceramic editions offer the most accessible entry into Picasso collecting; edition pieces are well-documented in the Ramie catalog
- Posters are the most affordable category but must be distinguished from later reprints; original printings have specific paper and printing characteristics
- The Vollard Suite etchings are considered among Picasso's greatest print achievements and have a strong, stable market
- Linocuts offer the most visually striking prints at moderate (by Picasso standards) price points
- Always obtain a certificate of authenticity from a recognized Picasso expert or estate; the market demands documentation