Framing a Masterpiece: Picasso, Porcelain, and a Bullfight

At Artscape, we never quite know what’s going to come through the door—but every so often, something truly special arrives that reminds us why we love what we do. Recently, a local client brought in an extraordinary piece: a porcelain plate created by Pablo Picasso, purchased at auction from Christie’s.

This wasn’t just decorative china. Picasso’s ceramics are celebrated as vibrant, energetic expressions of his artistry—playful yet powerful. The plate in question depicted a dramatic bullfight, rich in earth tones and movement, with all the tension and vitality you'd expect from the master himself.

The Challenge: Securing the Piece

Framing a valuable and fragile object like this requires care, creativity, and conservation expertise. Porcelain is heavy and breakable, and in this case, also uniquely shaped. Our first priority was to secure the piece safely in the frame without adhesives or materials that could damage it over time.

We engineered a custom mount that held the plate firmly yet invisibly within a deep box frame, allowing it to “float” while being fully supported.

Choosing the Frame: Texture, Tone, and Storytelling

Next came the aesthetic decisions. The colour palette of the artwork was rich and warm—browns, blacks, and ochres—which led us to two strong frame contenders: a deep, dark brown wood with natural texture, or a custom leather-wrapped frame, referencing the rugged materials of the bullring itself. Both complemented the artwork beautifully, but the final choice brought just the right mix of drama and refinement.

Museum-Grade Protection

To protect the piece without compromising its visual impact, we used museum acrylic rather than glass. Not only is it lighter and shatter-resistant—ideal for a delicate porcelain object—it also offers crystal-clear visibility and 99% UV protection. This ensures the artwork remains perfectly preserved, without any risk of glass-related damage.

The Result
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The final piece now sits proudly within its custom box frame—secure, beautifully lit, and given the visual space it deserves. It's more than just a display—it's a tribute to the artwork and a story preserved for generations.

At Artscape, we love working on projects like this: where the technical meets the artistic, and where craftsmanship makes all the difference. Whether you have a world-famous ceramic or a personal treasure, we’re here to help you frame it with care, creativity, and expertise.

Come and talk to us—we’d love to hear your story.