The 10 most famous works of art by Pablo Picasso - niood (2023)

From Le Reve to Guernica to Dora Maar to the Cat

April 19, 2021March 27, 2023

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Pablo Picasso - Paintings, Art and QuotesName and describe the style of painting that Picasso made famous. (minimum 4 sentences)

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Pablo Picassowas a Spanish artist born in Malaga on October 25, 1881, died on April 8, 1973 in Mougins, buried in the park of Château de Vauvenargues, Bouches du Rhône. He is best known for his paintings and is one of the leading artists of the 20th century.

He is, with Georges Braque, the founder of the cubist movement. Pablo Picasso (1916) his full name was Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Crispin Crispiniano de la Sentissima Trinidad Ruiz Picasso. Picasso's father, Don José Ruiz y Blanco, was a painter and drawing teacher at the school in Malaga called "San Telmo". He is also curator of the municipal museum, coming from an old and respected family in the province of León, in northwestern Spain. Picasso's mother, Doña María, is originally from Andalusia and of Arab origin.

Picasso thus began painting at an early age and made his first paintings at the age of eight. In 1896 he entered the Barcelona School of Fine Arts. First signing his father's name, Ruiz Blanco, he eventually opted to use his mother's name, Picasso, beginning in 1901.

niood lists the 10 most famous works of art by Pablo Picasso:

1. The dream, 1932

• Dimensions:51 cm × 40.5 cm (20.08 in × 15.94 in)
• Period:Surrealism
• Subject:Dreamlike images showing a woman with her eyes closed and her face distorted, leaning on a rock formation with a landscape in the background.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1932
• Support:Canvas

Le Rêve (The Dream) is a famous painting by the renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, created in 1932. This oil painting on canvas is celebrated for several reasons:

1. artistic style: Le Rêve is a quintessential example of Picasso's Surrealist period, where he experimented with dreamlike imagery and symbolism. The painting employs a mix of vivid colors, distorted shapes, and overlapping shapes to convey a dreamlike state.
2. topic in question: The painting features Picasso's mistress of 22 years, Marie-Thérèse Walter, who was an important muse and inspiration to him during this period. Many of her works from this time depict her in various poses, highlighting the importance of her relationship in her artistic journey.
3. Composition: The painting depicts Marie-Thérèse Walter seated in a red armchair with her head tilted back, her eyes closed and her hands folded in her lap. The composition is simple but striking, with the subject taking up most of the canvas.
4. The color palette: Picasso employs a vibrant color palette in Le Rêve, using bold shades of red, green, yellow and blue. Warm, rich colors contribute to the dreamlike atmosphere and evoke a feeling of sensuality and passion.
5. surreal elements: The painting presents several distorted and abstract elements characteristic of Surrealism, a movement that sought to explore the irrational and subconscious mind. For example, Marie-Thérèse's face is divided into two distinct sections, with one side depicting a more traditional portrait, while the other side is highly stylized and abstract.
6. cubist influence: Although Picasso had largely moved away from Cubism when he painted Le Rêve, the work still bears traces of the movement. The fragmented and overlapping forms, as well as the use of geometric shapes and lines, reflect Picasso's earlier explorations in Cubism.
7. erotic nuances: Le Rêve has been widely interpreted as an erotic and sensual portrait of Marie-Thérèse Walter. The voluptuous shapes of the painting, the bold colors and the suggestive images contribute to this interpretation.
8. Controversy: Le Rêve gained notoriety when it was involved in a high-profile accident in 2006. Casino mogul Steve Wynn accidentally thrust his elbow through the tarp while showing it off to guests, resulting in a six-inch tear. The painting was later restored and sold for a record price.
9. record sale: In 2013, Le Rêve was sold to billionaire Steven A. Cohen for $155 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at the time. The high price tag further solidified its status as an iconic work of art.

2. Guernica, 1937

• Dimensions:349 cm × 776 cm (137.4 in × 305.5 in)
• Period:cubism and surrealism
• Subject:A depiction of the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, specifically the bombing of the city of Guernica by German and Italian warplanes. The painting is dominated by distorted and distressed figures and animals, including a bull, a horse, and a woman holding a dead child.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1937
• Support:Canvas

Guernica is an iconic painting by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, created in 1937. It has gained fame and recognition for several reasons:

1. Historical context: Guernica was created in response to the bombing of the city of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War by the Fascist Italian and Nazi German air forces supporting the Nationalist forces of General Francisco Franco. The event resulted in significant civilian casualties and was a horrifying example of the violence and devastation of modern warfare.
2. anti war message: Picasso's painting serves as a powerful anti-war statement, capturing the chaos, suffering and terror experienced by the people of Guernica. The work has become a symbol of the brutality of war and has been used to protest against political violence and aggression.
3. artistic style: Guernica is a masterpiece of modern art and an excellent example of Picasso's cubist style. The painting features stark monochrome tones, fragmented shapes, and overlapping forms to create a sense of disorientation and anguish. Picasso's use of abstract shapes and symbols allows the viewer to interpret the scene and empathize with the suffering depicted.
4. Scale: The size of the painting adds to its impact. At approximately 11.5 feet tall and 25.6 feet wide, Guernica is a massive and imposing work of art that confronts viewers with the scale of the devastation it depicts.
5. iconic images: Guernica is full of powerful and haunting images, such as the weeping woman, the dismembered soldier, and the wounded horse. These symbols have become synonymous with painting and serve as a reminder of the horrors of war.
6. cultural relevance: Over time, Guernica has taken on a life of its own, becoming a symbol of peace and a rallying point for anti-war movements. It has been widely reproduced, referenced, and reinterpreted by artists and activists, further cementing its status as an iconic work of art.

3. Dora Maar en el chat, 1941

• Dimensions:130 cm × 97 cm (51 in × 38 in)
• Period:cubism and surrealism
• Subject:A portrait of the artist's lover and muse, Dora Maar, seated in a chair with a small black cat perched on her shoulder. The painting features Maar's characteristic penetrating gaze and outstretched hands.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1941
• Support:Canvas

Dora Maar au Chat (Dora Maar with Cat) is a famous painting by Pablo Picasso, created in 1941. This artwork has gained recognition for several reasons:

1. topic in question: Dora Maar, a talented photographer and painter, was Picasso's lover and muse in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Her relationship was tumultuous and passionate, and Picasso created numerous portraits of Maar during this period. Dora Maar au Chat is one of the best known and most famous of these portraits.
2. artistic style: The painting shows Picasso's cubist style, with its fragmented shapes, bold colors and geometric shapes. Maar is depicted sitting on a chair, wearing a purple dress, with a small black cat perched on the back of the chair. The sharp angles and distortions of her face and body evoke a sense of tension and unease, which some art critics believe reflects the couple's tumultuous relationship.
3. emotional intensity: The portrait captures a sense of emotional intensity and complexity. Maar's expression is enigmatic, and her distorted features seem to convey a mixture of vulnerability, defiance, and melancholy. The cat in the painting is often interpreted as a symbol of sensuality, mystery, or danger, adding another layer of depth to the work.
4. auction success: Dora Maar au Chat gained additional fame when it sold at Sotheby's auction in 2006 for $95.2 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at the time. The high price tag further solidified the painting's status as an iconic and valuable work of art.

4. Jacqueline con flores, 1954

• Dimensions:146 cm × 114 cm (57 in × 45 in)
• Period:Late works by Pablo Picasso
• Subject:Portrait of the artist's second wife, Jacqueline Roque, seated in a chair with a bouquet of flowers. Roque is represented with a serene expression and a stylized face with simplified features.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1954
• Support:Canvas

Jacqueline with Flowers (1954) is a famous painting by Pablo Picasso featuring his second wife, Jacqueline Roque. The artwork has gained recognition for several reasons:

1. topic in question: Jacqueline Roque was an important figure in Picasso's life, and their relationship lasted from the early 1950s until her death in 1973. As one of his most important muses during his later years, Picasso created numerous portraits of Jacqueline, with "Jacqueline with flowers". being one of the most notable.
2. artistic style: In this painting, Picasso demonstrates his unique artistic approach, combining elements of his earlier cubist style with a more expressive and fluid technique. The work shows a harmonious combination of colors, such as greens, blues and yellows, as well as bold and flowing lines that bring the composition to life.
3. intimate portrait: “Jacqueline with Flowers” ​​is a personal and intimate portrait of Jacqueline, capturing her in a relaxed and contemplative pose. The painting conveys Picasso's deep affection and admiration for her muse and offers a glimpse into her private life.
4. last minute job: The painting is representative of Picasso's last period, during which he revised and reinterpreted themes and motifs from his early years while exploring new styles and techniques. “Jacqueline with Flowers” ​​is an excellent example of the evolution and maturity of Picasso's artistic vision.
5. cultural relevance: The works starring Jacqueline Roque are significant because they allow insight into the artist's personal life, as well as his creative process during his last years. "Jacqueline with Flowers" is a testament to the lasting impact personal relationships can have on an artist's work.

5. Figures on the seashore, 1931

• Dimensions:64.8 cm × 80.6 cm (25.5 in × 31.75 in)
• Period:Surrealism
• Subject:A beach scene with distorted, dreamlike figures, including a woman with a fish for a head, a man with a distorted face, and a reclining nude figure. The painting features elements of traditional painting, such as landscape and still life, but in a highly stylized and abstract form.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1931
• Support:Canvas

Figures at the Seaside (1931) is a remarkable painting by the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. While it may not be as famous as some of his other works, such as Guernica or Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, it is still important for several reasons:

1. artistic style: The painting shows Picasso's versatility as an artist. In Figures at the Seaside, he incorporates elements of Surrealism, which was a popular art movement during the 1920s and '30s. The painting features distorted, dreamlike figures, reflecting the influence of Surrealism on Picasso's work during this period.
2. topic in question: The painting represents a group of nude and semi-nude figures on the beach, apparently involved in various activities. The subject matter reflects the tranquil scenes often depicted by artists throughout history, but Picasso adds his own unique twist with surreal, distorted figures.
3. Transition period: Figures at the Seaside was created during a transition period in Picasso's career, when he was transitioning from his earlier Cubist works to his Surrealist-inspired paintings. This work therefore offers insight into the evolution of the artist's style and interests.
4. use of color: In this painting, Picasso employs a rich and vibrant color palette, with a strong emphasis on blues, greens, and yellows. Bold colors contribute to the dreamlike atmosphere of the painting and create a sense of depth and contrast.
5. form exploration: The work shows Picasso's continued exploration of form as he experiments with the human figure by distorting and manipulating it in various ways. This aspect of the painting highlights the artist's innovative approach to art and his willingness to challenge traditional artistic conventions.

6. The Ladies of Avignon, 1907

• Dimensions:243.9 cm × 233.7 cm (96 in × 92 in)
• Period:Early modernism, proto-cubism
• Subject:A group portrait of five nude prostitutes in a brothel, rendered in a highly stylized and fragmented manner. The painting is noted for its use of sharp angles and primitive African-influenced masks and statuary, which were highly unconventional for the time.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1907
• Support:Canvas

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907) is a pioneering painting by Pablo Picasso and is considered one of the most important works in the history of modern art. There are several reasons why this painting is famous:

1. pioneering cubism: The painting is often considered the forerunner of the Cubist art movement, which Picasso co-founded with Georges Braque. The fragmented, geometric forms of Les Demoiselles d'Avignon laid the foundation for the development of Cubism in the following years.
2. Challenging traditional norms: Picasso challenged traditional artistic norms with this painting, rejecting classical techniques and perspectives. The provocative composition and unconventional depiction of the female form marked a significant departure from the artistic standards of the time.
3. Influence of African and Oceanic art: The painting reflects Picasso's fascination with African and Oceanic art, particularly in the mask-like faces of the women. This incorporation of non-Western artistic traditions had a profound impact on the development of modern art.
4. Representation of female sexuality.: Les Demoiselles d'Avignon presents a stark and unapologetic portrait of female sexuality, which at the time was considered shocking and controversial. The painting reflects the artist's exploration of sexuality and desire as central themes in his work.
5. radical composition: The composition of the painting, with its fragmented and superimposed forms, represented a radical departure from the traditional techniques of Western art. The innovative approach to composition and perspective in Les Demoiselles d'Avignon influenced many artists of the 20th century.
6. size and scale: The painting measures approximately 8 feet by 7.5 feet, making it a monumental work that captures the viewer's attention. The large scale of the painting amplifies its impact and reinforces its importance in art history.
7. Initial controversy: When Les Demoiselles d'Avignon was first presented, it was greeted with shock and outrage by both the public and Picasso's fellow artists. Over time, however, the innovative qualities of the painting were recognized and it became an influential work in the history of modern art.
8. enduring legacy: Les Demoiselles d'Avignon remains one of the most famous and studied paintings in the history of art. Its impact on the development of modern art, as well as its role in the formation of art movements such as Cubism and Expressionism, has cemented its status as a seminal work in the Western art canon.

7. The old guitarist, 1903

• Dimensions:122.9 cm × 82.6 cm (48.4 in × 32.5 in)
• Period:Pablo Picasso Blue Period
• Subject:An elderly blind musician, depicted in a monochromatic blue color scheme and hunched over his guitar. The painting is notable for expressing the artist's feelings of sadness and melancholy during this period of his life.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1903
• Support:Canvas

The Old Guitarist (1903) is a famous painting by Pablo Picasso, created during his Blue Period. This work of art is well known and appreciated for several reasons:

1. Blue Period: The Old Guitarist is one of the most iconic works of Picasso's Blue Period, which lasted from 1901 to 1904. During this time, Picasso's paintings were characterized by somber tones and a focus on themes of loneliness, poverty, and despair.
2. The color palette: The painting is dominated by shades of blue, which contributes to the melancholic atmosphere of the work. The use of a limited color palette is characteristic of Picasso's Blue Period and adds to the emotional impact of the painting.
3. topic in question: The Old Guitarist represents an old blind musician hunched over his guitar. The theme reflects Picasso's empathy for the less fortunate and his interest in the lives of the poor and marginalized.
4. emotional resonance: The painting captures a deep sense of sadness, loneliness and vulnerability. This emotional resonance has made The Old Guitarist a powerful and enduring work of art that continues to captivate viewers more than a century after its creation.
5. artistic technique: Picasso's technique in The Old Guitarist demonstrates his mastery of form and composition. The elongated limbs and angular features of the figure contribute to the emotional intensity of the painting and reflect the influence of the Spanish painter El Greco on Picasso's style.
6. underlying layers: X-ray analysis of The Old Guitarist has revealed that the canvas was reused by Picasso and that there are hidden images below the surface of the painting. These underlying layers offer a fascinating insight into the artist's creative process and the evolution of the work.
7. Influence on modern art: The Old Guitarist is a seminal work in the development of modern art, as it represents a departure from traditional themes and techniques. The painting has inspired numerous artists and has had a lasting impact on the art world.

8. Minotaur with dead horse in front of a cave in front of a veiled girl, 1936

• Dimensions:248 cm × 204 cm (97.6 in × 80.3 in)
• Period:Surrealism
• Subject:A surreal and haunting scene starring a minotaur, a figure from Greek mythology with the head of a bull and the body of a man, standing on a dead horse in front of a cave. In the background, a veiled girl looks on. The painting is one of many works by Pablo Picasso that present the minotaur as a symbolic representation of his own inner turmoil and animalistic desires.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1936
• Support:Canvas

Minotaur with dead horse in front of a cave in front of a veiled girl (1936) is a remarkable work by Pablo Picasso for several reasons:

1. surreal influence: Picasso's exploration of surrealism is evident in this work, as it presents a dreamlike scene with a combination of mythical and real elements. Surrealism was an art movement that sought to explore the subconscious mind and irrational images, which are reflected in this painting.
2. minotaur images: The minotaur, a mythical creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull, was a recurring motif in Picasso's work during the 1930s. The minotaur often symbolized the primal and instinctive side of human nature, and its presence in this painting adds to the overall impact and meaning of the piece.
3. political context: Created in 1936, the painting was done during a time of political turmoil in Spain, as the country was on the brink of civil war. The tension and violence of the time are reflected in the disturbing scene depicted in the painting.
4. Use of symbolism: Picasso uses several symbols in the painting, such as the dead horse, which has been interpreted as a representation of the death and destruction caused by the war, and the veiled girl, who can symbolize innocence or hope in the face of adversity. The complex interplay of symbols adds depth and meaning to the work.
5. evocative composition: The painting presents a dramatic and evocative composition, with the powerful figure of the minotaur contrasted with the more delicate and vulnerable girl. This visual tension creates a sense of unease that resonates with viewers.
6. artistic technique: Picasso's skillful use of line, color and form is displayed in this painting. The bold lines and dynamic composition contribute to the overall impact of the work, while the interplay of light and shadow adds depth and intensity to the scene.
7. Connection with personal life.: Picasso's personal life and relationships have often been linked to his artwork. Some art historians suggest that the minotaur in this painting may represent Picasso himself, while the veiled girl could be a representation of his lover, Marie-Thérèse Walter. This connection to the artist's personal life adds another layer of interpretation to the painting.
8. lasting impact: Minotaur with Dead Horse in Front of a Cave Facing a Veiled Girl is a major work in Picasso's oeuvre, and its combination of Surrealist elements, personal symbolism, and evocative composition has left a lasting impression on the art world. The painting's exploration of myth, human nature, and the tumultuous political climate of the time make it an important work in the history of modern art.

9. Boy with a pipe, 1905

• Dimensions:100 cm × 81 cm (39 in × 32 in)
• Period:Pablo Picasso Rose Period
• Subject:A portrait of a boy wearing a blue collar and flower crown, holding a pipe in his hand. The painting is noted for its use of bright colors and its depiction of carefree, innocent youth.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1905
• Support:Canvas

Garçon à la Pipe (Boy with a Pipe), painted in 1905, is a famous work by Pablo Picasso for several reasons:

1. rose period: The painting was created during Picasso's Pink Period (1904-1906), which followed his Blue Period. During the Rose Period, Picasso's color palette changed to include warmer colors such as orange, pink, and beige. The mood of his paintings became more joyful and optimistic.
2. topic in question: The subject of the painting, a young Parisian man holding a pipe, departs from the somber themes of the Blue Period. The boy, dressed in blue work clothes and adorned with a flower crown, exudes a sense of innocence and charm rarely found in Picasso's earlier works.
3. composition and color: The composition of the painting, which presents a harmonious balance of colors and shapes, shows Picasso's ability to create visually appealing works. The warm tones of the background contrast with the cool tones of the boy's clothing, while the flower crown adds a decorative touch to the composition.
4. auction success: Garçon à la Pipe attracted international attention when it sold at Sotheby's auction in 2004 for $104.1 million, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at the time. The high price tag further solidified the painting's status as an iconic and valuable work of art.
5. Connection to Montmartre: The painting was created during Picasso's time in Montmartre, a district of Paris known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic community. The subject matter of the painting reflects the people and environment that Picasso encountered during this period.
6. artistic development: Garçon à la Pipe is an important work in Picasso's oeuvre because it marks a transition between his Blue Period and his Pink Period. The painting demonstrates his evolving artistic style, with brighter colors and a more optimistic subject matter.
7. Rarity: Picasso's rose period paintings are relatively rare compared to works from his other periods. This rarity adds to the painting's importance and value in the art world.

10. The women of Algiers, 1955

• Dimensions:114 cm × 146 cm (45 in × 57 in)
• Period:Late works by Pablo Picasso
• Subject:A series of fifteen paintings based on the theme of a harem or brothel, depicting women in various states of undress and repose. The paintings were inspired by the orientalist paintings of Eugène Delacroix and the work of earlier artists such as Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.
• Half:Oil on canvas
• Date:1955
• Support:Canvas

The Women of Algiers (Les Femmes d'Alger), 1955, is a famous series of 15 paintings and numerous drawings by Pablo Picasso. The series is known for several reasons:

1. Tribute to Delacroix: Picasso's Women of Algiers series was inspired by Eugène Delacroix's 1834 painting, “The Women of Algiers in their Apartment”. Picasso reinterpreted Delacroix's work in his own unique style, paying homage to the earlier artist and demonstrating his innovative approach to art.
2. variation series: The Women of Algiers is an extensive series, with 15 different versions (labeled from A to O) and numerous drawings. This allowed Picasso to explore variations in composition, color and style within the same subject, showcasing his versatility and creativity as an artist.
3. artistic style: The series presents a synthesis of Picasso's various artistic styles, including elements of his earlier Cubist period and his later, more expressive approach. This mix of styles and techniques adds depth and complexity to the paintings.
4. Cultural and political context: Picasso created the Women of Algiers series at a time when the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) was underway. His reinterpretation of Delacroix's work can be seen as a commentary on the complex relationship between France and Algeria, and the broader postcolonial context of the time.
5. Celebrating the female form: The Women of Algiers series features a group of women in various poses and states of undress. The paintings celebrate the beauty and sensuality of the female form, showing Picasso's interest in the subject and his ability to depict it.
6. Impact on contemporary art: The Women of Algiers series has had a lasting influence on contemporary artists, inspiring new interpretations and adaptations of the theme. For example, Roy Lichtenstein's "Femme d'Alger" (1963) is a Pop Art reinterpretation of Picasso's work.
7. auction success: Women of Algiers (Version 'O'), one of the paintings in the series, sold at auction in 2015 for $179.4 million, setting a record for the most expensive painting ever sold at auction at the time. This high-profile sale further increased the fame and importance of the series in the art world.