Pablo Picasso

Picasso was the dominant artist of the first half of the 20^th century and without doubt led the development of modern art.

Born in Spain, he spent most of his adult life in France. He was technically very accomplished and a superb draughtsman. However, he did not believe that a work of art should be a slavish depiction of the real world (though the real world might be the starting point).

Picasso was hugely inventive and he developed a number of radical new approaches such as his “blue period”, “rose period”, “cubism” and so on. He did not stand still or become wedded to a particular movement. Indeed, he usually worked simultaneously in a variety of styles and on a variety of themes. This drive to innovate is summarised by his statement:

Picasso was also extremely versatile. He was, first and foremost, a painter but he also distinguished himself as a sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and designer of costumes and scenery for the theatre and as a muralist.

His work can convey great passion, ranging from joy and exuberance to horror and despair.

Picasso’s work is held in all the important public collections wordwide. He bequeathed his own collection of his own work and that of his friends to the French nation and this is housed in the Musee Picasso in Paris