133: PABLO PICASSO (1881 - 1973) FIGURE DE PROUE

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973 Spain, France)

Figure de proue

Unglazed double spout ceramic pitcher

Signed on the base 'Edition Picasso' in black pigment and numbered 5/300, impressed markings 'Madoura Plein Feu' and 'Edition Picasso' under the base.

Measures 9 x 9.5 inches.

Provenance: The estate of mid-20th century Kansas City architect David Benton Runnells (1913 - 1973).

According to Mrs. Runnells' diary, on May 14, 1959 they visited the Pablo Picasso workshop showroom on the French Riviera and purchased this double spout pitcher, Figure de Proue.

The Runnells family was in Europe from August of 1958 to August of 1959 while David taught at the Vienna Technical University on a Fulbright Fellowship in Vienna, Austria.

David Runnells was a Kansas City architect whose biography reads like the Five W's of Modern Design. After graduating the University of Illinois, Runnells discovered Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto while studying at the University of Stockholm on scholarship. Around 1940, he attended Cranbrook Academy of Art and studied under Finnish Architects, Eliel and Eero Saarinen. Following graduation from Cranbrook he stayed on to work with the Saarinens on projects that included the groundbreaking architecture of Crow Island School in Winnetka, Illinois. After Cranbrook he became head of the industrial-design department at the Kansas City Art Institute. From 1943 to 1946 he was director of planning for the Kansas City Planning Department. He then entered private practice and designed the art-school building for the Kansas City Art Institute with fellow Cranbrook alum George Matsumoto. After teaching in Austria he started a private firm in Kansas City and completed many projects with modern design builder Don Drummond who, in the words of KCMODERN.COM, "pioneered modern residential architecture in Kansas City, Missouri."

The attached photograph, taken by Charlie Eames in 1941 on the steps at Cranbrook pictures David Runnells, Art Brewer, Eliel Saarinen, Avely Winter, Eero Saarinen, Jerry Schilling and Ed Lenders.

In 2009, KCMODERN organized the Runnells House Tour, a rare visit to eight Runnells design homes in Leawood, Prairie Village and Mission Hills Kansas.

We happily provide seamless in-house packing and shipping services on nearly everything we sell.
Very good condition, no chips, cracks, repairs, scratches or wear.
$6,000 - $9,000