Pablo Ruiz Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and theatre designer who spent most of his adult life in France. He is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, known for co-founding the Cubist movement, the invention of constructed sculpture, the co-invention of collage, and for the wide variety of styles that he helped develop and explore.
Early Life and Career
Born on October 25, 1881, in Málaga, Spain, Picasso demonstrated extraordinary artistic talent in his early years. He painted in a naturalistic manner through his childhood and adolescence. During the first decade of the 20th century, his style changed as he experimented with different theories, techniques, and ideas. After 1906, the Fauvist work of the older artist
Henri Matisse motivated Picasso to explore more radical styles, beginning a fruitful rivalry between the two artists.
Cubism and Notable Works
Picasso's output is often periodized, with his most famous works including the proto-Cubist
Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907) and the anti-war painting Guernica (1937).
Les Demoiselles d'Avignon is considered one of the earliest examples of Cubism, while Guernica is a dramatic portrayal of the bombing of Guernica by German and Italian air forces during the Spanish Civil War. Other notable works include
The Old Guitarist (1903-1904),
Family of Saltimbanques (1905), and
Three Musicians (1921).
Influence and Legacy
Picasso's influence on modern art is immense. He co-founded the Cubist movement with
Georges Braque, and his work has been widely exhibited in museums such as the
Musée national Picasso - Paris. His legacy can be seen in the works of other artists, including
Juan Gris and
Fernand Léger. For more information on Picasso's life and work, visit
Pablo Ruiz Picasso | WahooArt.com or
Pablo Picasso - Wikipedia.
- Cubism: A revolutionary art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its fragmented and abstract depiction of objects.
- Les Demoiselles d'Avignon: A groundbreaking painting by Picasso, created in 1907, which marked the beginning of Cubism.
- Guernica: A powerful anti-war painting by Picasso, created in 1937, which remains a powerful symbol of the horrors of war.
Picasso's work continues to be celebrated and studied today. His pioneering role in Cubism and his wide range of styles have made him one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Visit
Top 5 Famous Cubism Artists of All Time to learn more about Picasso and other notable Cubist artists.