One of only 3 original clay editions created by Braque, this work was created in 1960, Valse was a result of Braque’s desire to experiment with various mediums and materials as part of his creative process. This particular plate is numbered 14 out of 30 in a series created by a technical process which involved covering a plaster support in black, while continuing to etch a drawing into a think layer of color allowing the white plaster beneath to show through.

Braque sought to encompass a subject nearest to his heart: music. In Valse, he depicts a mandolin in the forefront of the piece, obscuring the waltz behind it. He combines two, very polar opposite musical worlds in this composition – the more popular genre including the mandolin versus the bourgeois waltz of the upper class. It is evident which Braque prefers as the waltz is partially obscured by the more accessible mandolin. The plate evokes a playful double meaning in which Braque hoped to convey to his audience, referencing the common subject matter of plates in the genre of still lifes while making the plate itself the medium of the piece. He chooses a circular format as a means of avoiding “dead angles” in the image while incorporating some of his simplified post-Cubist elements and various fragments of texts as his more favored trompe l’oeil device.

ABOUT THE FRAMING:
This resplendent custom frame is the perfect, elegant compliment to this remarkable work. Framing begins with linen-wrapped wooden liners that securely hold the ceramic and allow visibility in the back (to view markings). An elegant varnished gold leaf frame encases the wood liners to create a shadow-box affect against a black background. The delicate coloration of the wood moulding perfectly complements the gentle texture and color within the ceramic. A heavy weight picture wire is also attached to the frame to ensure a secure hanging. Due to the size and weight of this piece, we recommend using a heavy duty double nail hook with 100-150 pound weight capacity (double the weight of the piece to determine hook capacity).