A work by Picasso was accidentally found in a Belgian second-hand store (2 photos)
Picasso's work was accidentally found in a second-hand store in Antwerp, Belgium. Employees came across a clay plate decorated with an image of a bullfight. It turned out that the author of the drawing was the famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.
About three weeks ago, the attention of workers was drawn to the text on the product - Empreinte originale de Picasso. Because of this, an examination was carried out, which confirmed Picasso's involvement in the work. After that, the plate was put up for auction, where it was purchased for 12.6 thousand euros.
The unique plate is made of white earthenware and decorated with brown-green engobe, glaze and oxidized paraffin. On the back there are two inscriptions: "Madoura Plein Feu" and "Empreinte Originale de Picasso". The relief depicts a bullfight and was designed on March 11, 1953. It is said that only 200 copies were made.
Pablo Picasso began working with ceramics in 1947. The artist did this in collaboration with the Madoura studio in Vallor, France. At first he decorated simple plates and bowls, later also making vases and jugs with playful, animal prints. Picasso granted the studio exclusive rights to make and sell his ceramics.
"There, all incoming goods are placed on a sorting belt and an initial check is carried out, during which the goods are divided into categories," explains Lander Janssens, Director of Sales and Marketing.
In this case, the plate ended up among household items, where its value was noticed.
This is the second time in a short period that a sensational discovery has been made in a Belgian second-hand store. Recently, one of the employees was surprised to find an original engraving by James Ensor from 1888 among donated used items. The work is worth between 2,000 and 3,000 euros.

