Picasso and ceramics: a Vallaurian destiny!

A famous painter and original sculptor, Pablo Picasso hung up his hat in Vallauris on the Côte d’Azur to expand his talent with a new art: creating ceramics. And as a result, he left a definitive mark on the history of the Cote d’Azur with his original works.

Vallauris, Picasso’s adopted home

Pablo Picasso’s ceramics evoke a bright period. Furthermore, the artist devoted a lot of time to this over the last twenty years of his life. He started his first creations as of 1947, seduced by the “town with a hundred potters”. It was in the heart of his villa nestled on the hills of Vallauris that his creativity was set free. Between [the time he spent in] his workshop in Fournas, where he created numerous paintings and sculptures, the master began an innovative artistic process in the Madoura workshop for ceramics.

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The Madoura workshop, a place of art, history and freedom

The artist rediscovered his Mediterranean roots after a meeting with Suzanne and Georges Ramié, the owners of the Madoura workshop in Vallauris. They formed an instant bond, both as friends and as artists. Interested in every facet of this discipline, Picasso threw out the rulebook and invented new techniques. Over the course of thousands of works, Picasso created sublime fauna and marvellous nymphs, with a flick of his brush.

Find out more about the Madoura workshop!

Majestic work and artistic emulation

After more than 300 sketches and a year of work, Picasso created one of his most grandiose works, War and Peace. The two concave parts stand opposite each other and meet at the summit: war on the left and peace on the right. Vallauris was buzzing at this time; the artist’s presence was the root of an unprecedented artistic energy. The town attracted painters and sculptors from the world over, joining the ceramics workshops to elevate their work at the side of the master.

Find out more on the National Picasso “War and Peace” Museum

Picasso’s heritage

Today adjoining the National Pablo Picasso Museum, the artist’s choice of the Vallauris castle chapel to build his work was no less significant. Thanks to its stature, which gave it an unusually monumental air, this symbolic location infused the work with a powerful character, making War and Peace part of a movement to rediscover sacred art. Even today, a particular energy still emanates from this unique location. The maestro’s memory will reign here forever.

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