Large 1970s Italian Eggshell Lacquer Relief Panel After Picasso Sylvette (1954)

This striking, large-scale Italian mixed-media architectural relief panel from the 1970s is an unusually sophisticated decorative interpretation of Pablo Picasso’s celebrated portrait Sylvette (1954), also known as Portrait of Sylvette David.
Strikingly executed, the work masterfully transforms the artist's famed Vallauris-period cubist composition into a deeply tactile, multi-material relief construction that beautifully bridges the worlds of sculpture, painting, and high-end twentieth-century interior decoration.
While sharing thematic roots with the companion Marie-Thérèse Walter panels, this magnificent standalone piece shows production by a distinct, highly specialized workshop catering to the elite architectural market. Rather than a mass-market decorative piece, the work showcases masterfully executed coquille d’oeuf (eggshell lacquer) techniques akin to traditional Sơn Mài wood panels.

The piece is constructed on a substantial wood support, featuring an expansive inner border executed in a mesmerizing, hand-laid eggshell mosaic lacquer finish. The central portrait incorporates deeply incised relief lines, warm bronze and gold metallic washes, and smooth tonal gradations in the background fields designed to softly catch ambient light.

The entire composition is housed within its dramatic, original wavy sculpted frame finished in a luxurious silver-leaf patina. This translation of Picasso’s iconic 1954 muse—defined by her high, geometric ponytail and severe modern profile—into an architectural wood-and-lacquer relief shows a highly inventive dialogue between post-war European modernism and luxury craftsmanship, operating at the intersection of fine art and sophisticated modern interior design.

Dimensions:Overall Frame: 49.25" H x 35.75" W x 2.75" D (125 x 91 x 7 cm)
Eggshell Border: 36.25" H x 23.25" W x 2.25" D (92 x 59 x 6 cm)
Central Image: 31.5" H x 18.5" W (80 x 47 cm)

Condition Report: The panel is in excellent vintage condition, presenting a beautifully aged patina consistent with its age and premium studio origin. The hand-laid eggshell mosaic matrix remains remarkably stable and intact, with only minimal, natural age-toning to the lacquer that enhances its organic texture. The incised details and smooth metallic fields retain excellent definition, depth, and luster.
The original wavy silver-leaf frame shows light, localized wear, minor rubbing to the edges, and faint oxidation to the leafing appropriate for a 1970s sculptural piece.
The structural integrity of the wood backing panel is excellent, retaining its original hanging hardware and remaining entirely ready for immediate installation.