Lecture > Pablo Picasso

1881 - 1972 Pablo Ruiz y Picasso was born in Spain, the son of a drawing and painting master. Considered the master of 20th century art, Picasso burst through conventional boundaries to discover new releases for his prolific talent. His finished artwork numbers in the thousands and includes paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures and murals - even costumes and theater sets. An artistic prodigy at an early age, Picasso was technically skilled in drawing and painting by age 15 and by late 1906 had begun painting in a revolutionary manner. Inspired by Paul Cézanne, he began to express space in strongly geometric terms. This sculptural sense of space formed the beginnings of Cubism which he started with Georges Braque, and in 1907 he painted the historical Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, considered one of the first true forms of pure Modern art. Picasso's talent and reputation were firmly established by the time he was 30. He became financially successful, his reputation soared and during his 70 year career, he passionately undertook every medium from primitive art and sketches to Surrealism. By the late 1930's he was the most famous artist in the world, and as a native of Spain, he was commissioned to create a mural by the Spanish Government. He depicted the brutality of Fascist aggression in the Spanish Civil War with the monumental and politically charged Guernica. His personality has been described as genius and destructive animal wrapped into one. He was short, bold and incredibly charming, which was evident in his renowned pursuit of women. His life continues to baffle people, but more than ever his legacy continues in museums and collections throughout the world.