Special to The Desert Sun

Pablo Picasso found his way to the south of France after World War II. Settling by the shore, he was inspired. “Whenever I come to Antibes, I’m always attacked by the itch of Antiquity. It is strange, in Paris I never draw fauns, centaurs, or mythical heroes … they always seem to live in these parts.” The magical place made for inspired art.

He soon moved to nearby Vallauris where he would live from 1948 to 1955. Vallauris has rich clay deposits and has produced pottery since Roman times. Picasso became so enthralled with ceramics that he spent nearly a decade exploring the medium while living in the little village. Derived from the Latin words Vallis Aurea, the name reflected its historical origins and the perception of its rich, golden-hued land.

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