Pablo Picasso is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. He was born in Spain but fell in love with France when he first visited Paris the end of 1900 and spent much of the rest of his life there.
1901 was the beginning of Picasso's "Blue Period", so called because the paintings he created during this time (1901 to 1904) had a blue or green tone to them. They have a somber tone that some attribute to the suicide of his friend Carlos Casagemas which triggered a depressive period in Picasso's life that year.
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| The Blind Man's Meal |
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| Frugal Repast |
As he fell deeper into his depression he withdrew from society and fell on hard financial times because of the melancholy tone of his work. Many of his pieces in this period include blind men, prostitutes and beggars. Lonliness, poverty and despair are common themes. Perhaps his most famous piece from this period is The Old Guitarist.
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| The Old Guitarist |
As his depression lifted the colors of Picasso's paintings changed to pink and other warmer colors, initiating what his known as his Rose Period.
Because of the suicide of his friend and the apparent impact on his artwork, 1901 was a pivotal year for Picasso. There is currently an exhibit in London that focuses on this year in his life - Becoming Picasso: Paris - 1901.
Wow I had no idea. Painting wasn't something that I got myself into. I mean I know general stuff but not details. This is the first time I hear of this. Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteAlso thanks for following my blog Sonia! I follow back :)
Tanja @ Ja čitam, a ti?
It's interesting isn't it Tanja? It's interesting to learn about artists and how their life experiences affect their work. So glad you stopped by! I really do appreciate it.
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