Pablo Picasso is one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20th century. His revolutionary style and bold experimentation changed the art world forever. In this article, we’ll delve into 20 fascinating Picasso facts that will illuminate the life and legacy of this iconic artist. From his early years as a prodigious young talent to his later years as a revered figure in the art world, get ready to explore the fascinating story of Pablo Picasso and his enduring impact on art and culture.
1-5 Fun Facts About Pablo Picasso
1. When Picasso was born, he was so weak that the midwife thought he was dead and laid him on a table. His uncle blew a smoke ring into his face, causing him to react with a “grimace and a bellow of fury.”
2. Picasso’s artistic talents extended beyond painting. He was a multi-talented artist, working not just as a painter but also as a sculptor, ceramicist, stage designer, poet, playwright, and print writer.
3. Picasso had a unique way of dealing with boredom or insults. He would often carry a pistol loaded with blanks and fire it at people he found boring or who insulted Cézanne, illustrating his eccentric and unpredictable behavior.
4. Picasso was a child prodigy who could draw before he could talk.
5. At the age of 13, Picasso was accepted into the School of Fine Arts and completed his entrance exam in just one week, while most students took a month.
6-10 Shocking Facts About Pablo Picasso
6. Picasso had to burn his paintings to keep his room warm during his early years as an artist, reflecting the financial difficulties he faced in his early career.
7. Picasso was loaded! By the time he passed away, Picasso had become the richest-artist in history.
8. When actor Brian Blessed met Pablo Picasso at a World Peace Congress in Sheffield in 1950, he asked the painter to prove his identity. Picasso drew him the dove of peace, which Brian famously turned down. Little did he know that the drawing is now valued at around US$179.4m. Talk about a missed opportunity!
9. Picasso’s political beliefs were evident in his later years. In 1944, after Paris was liberated from the Nazis, Picasso joined the French Communist Party at the age of 62. He reportedly said, “I have joined a family, and like all families, it is full of shit.”
10. Picasso was awarded the International Stalin Peace Prize by the USSR twice, once in 1950 and again in 1961 (later renamed the International Lenin Peace Prize).
11-15 Insane Facts About Pablo Picasso
11. Picasso’s artworks have unfortunately been targets of theft, with more of his paintings reported stolen than any other artist’s.
12. Picasso was an animal lover! He had quite the menagerie at home, including a mouse, a turtle, a monkey, and numerous cats and dogs.
13. During World War II, Picasso chose to remain in Paris even during the German occupation, and when a German officer saw a photograph of Picasso’s painting “Guernica” during a search of his apartment, the officer asked if he had done it, to which Picasso famously replied, “No, you did,” reflecting his anti-war sentiments and political stance.
14. Picasso’s name was a mouthful! His full name was a tongue-twister, with an impressive 23 words! From Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno Maria de Los Remedios Crispiniano de la Santisima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso, it’s clear that he had a name as unique as his art!
15. Picasso was a suspect in the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911, adding an intriguing and mysterious aspect to his life and connection to one of the most famous art heists in history. However, he was later cleared of any involvement in the theft.
16-20 Interesting Facts About Pablo Picasso
16. A revealing masterpiece: Picasso’s painting “Le Rêve” is said to show his erect p#nis on the upturned face of his model. This provocative artwork certainly pushes the boundaries of artistic expression!
17. Art imitates life! Picasso’s painting “La Lecture” caused quite a stir in his life, as it depicted his mistress asleep with a book on her lap. When his wife saw it at an exhibition, she realized that the facial features were not her own, leading to the breakup of their marriage.
18. In 1951, Picasso created a piece called “Massacre In Korea” as a protest against the Korean War, showcasing his engagement with political and social issues through his art.
19. An explosive trade! Ernest Hemingway once traded a case of hand grenades to Pablo Picasso for a one-of-a-kind cat sculpture. Unfortunately, the sculpture was broken and misplaced for decades until it was discovered by a caretaker in 1974.
20. A toast to Picasso: Picasso’s last words were, “Drink to me, drink to my health. You know I can’t drink anymore.” Cheers to a life well lived!
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Pablo Picasso Facts
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