Josef Albers

Daniel Arsham

Tauba Auerbach

Francis Bacon

John Baldessari

Banksy

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Peter Blake

Mel Bochner

Louise Bourgeois

Mr Brainwash

Georges Braque

The Connor Brothers

Patrick Caulfield

Christo

Salvador Dali

Richard Diebenkorn

Jim Dine

Bob Dylan

Tracey Emin

Max Ernst

Maurits Cornelis Escher

Shepard Fairey

Sam Francis

Helen Frankenthaler

Lucian Freud

Elisabeth Frink

Sir Terry Frost

Antony Gormley

Keith Haring

Conor Harrington

Erich Heckel

Damien Hirst

David Hockney

Howard Hodgkin

Loie Hollowell

Shara Hughes

Robert Indiana

Invader

Jasper Johns

Rashid Johnson

Donald Judd

Alex Katz

KAWS

Ellsworth Kelly

Jeff Koons

Yayoi Kusama

Chris Levine

Sol Lewitt

Roy Lichtenstein

Robert Longo

L S Lowry

Agnes Martin

Harland Miller

Henry Moore

Robert Motherwell

Otto Mueller

Edvard Munch

Takashi Murakami

Yoshitomo Nara

Alice Neel

Thierry Noir

Julian Opie

Nicolas Party

Victor Pasmore

Pejac

Adam Pendleton

Grayson Perry

Niki de Saint Phalle

Pablo Picasso

John Piper

Robert Rauschenberg

Gerhard Richter

Bridget Riley

Ayako Rokkaku

Ed Ruscha

David Shrigley

Pierre Soulages

Frank Stella

Stik

Wayne Thiebaud

Cy Twombly

Victor Vasarely

Andy Warhol

Ai Weiwei

Tom Wesselmann

Kehinde Wiley

David Wojnarowicz

Christopher Wool

 is often celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to 

. However, in recent decades, Picasso’s personal life and artistic practices have come under intense scrutiny. Today, we confront Picasso as both a revolutionary artist and a deeply problematic figure whose complex legacy must be reevaluated within the context of his misogyny and cultural appropriation. Contemporary criticism highlights his behaviour toward women and his appropriation of non-Western art, while posing the question of whether we can separate the art from the artist.

Picasso’s relationships with women were as much a part of his legacy as his art, and they were marked by an unsettling pattern of power, possession, and emotional domination. Throughout his life, Picasso was romantically involved with a series of women, many of whom were significantly younger. These women, including 

, were not merely sources of artistic inspiration; they were subjected to emotional manipulation, cruelty, and objectification. Picasso’s famously sexist declaration, “There are only two kinds of women; goddesses and doormats”, reveals much about the stark binaries he imposed on the women in his life. To him, they were either deified and idealised, or diminished and degraded, with little room for complexity or autonomy. This reduction of women to archetypes, either divine or debased, stripped them of their humanity and agency. In this binary worldview, Picasso could revere a woman one moment and discard her in the next, a dynamic that played out both in his personal relationships and in his art.

Picasso’s Misogyny

Picasso’s Misogyny: Women as Muses, Objects, and Victims

Misogyny & Exoticism in the Life & Work of Pablo Picasso

Problematic Picasso

 redefined conventional approaches to both the creation and interpretation of art, establishing a legacy that continues to influence contemporary artistic practices. As the driving force behind 

, and an artist of unparalleled versatility, Picasso’s body of work extended across painting, 

, sculpture, and collage. Throughout his prolific career, he embraced a vast array of techniques that evolved in tandem with his shifting creative vision, enabling him to convey deep emotional resonance, intricate ideas, and novel perspectives. His artistic trajectory is a testament to his relentless spirit of innovation, marked by continual reinvention and an audacious departure from tradition.

One of Picasso’s most revolutionary contributions to modern art was his development of collage and assemblage, techniques that expanded the boundaries of traditional painting. Unlike classical artists, who worked primarily with oil and canvas, Picasso broke with convention by incorporating everyday materials into his works, blurring the lines between ‘high’ art and common objects.

In the early 1910s, Picasso began experimenting with collage, a technique that involved cutting and pasting materials such as newspaper clippings, wallpaper, and fabric directly onto his canvas. By integrating these objects, Picasso sought to challenge the viewer’s perception of reality and art. His 1912 piece, 

, exemplifies this approach, combining oil paint with a printed oilcloth and a rope to simulate the texture of a chair seat.

Assemblage, an extension of collage, went even further. Picasso added three-dimensional objects to his artworks, creating sculptures from found materials like wood, metal, and ceramics. These works, like 

 (1942), made from a bicycle seat and handlebars, reveal Picasso's ability to reimagine everyday items in abstract, symbolic forms.

Collage and Assemblage

Picasso’s Collage and Assemblage Techniques

How Did Pablo Picasso Create His Art? Picasso’s Techniques

 remains a monumental figure in the art world, his revolutionary contributions spanning nearly eight decades and numerous artistic movements, including 

. Renowned for his ability to reinvent himself, Picasso’s vast body of work includes not only paintings, but also sculptures, ceramics, and prints, showcasing his unmatched versatility. While many of his masterpieces are housed in prestigious institutions such as the 

 in New York, a substantial portion of his works remains in private collections. Picasso’s enduring appeal, marked by record-breaking auction prices and constant scholarly interest, reaffirms his legacy as one of history's most influential and transformative artists, whose works are synonymous with artistic innovation and cultural significance.

Who Owns Work by Pablo Picasso?

, the visionary artist whose groundbreaking innovations in 

 and modern art reshaped 20th-century visual culture, remains an enduring icon in the art world. As we move through 2024 and beyond, leading galleries and museums around the globe are presenting compelling exhibitions that explore Picasso's prolific career and revolutionary approaches to form, space, and perspective. From his fragmented, multifaceted portraits, to his bold reinventions of classical themes, each exhibition offers new insights into Picasso's transformative influence and the artistic genius that continues to inspire generations.

Whether you're a long-time admirer of Picasso's work, or discovering his artistic genius for the first time, these exhibitions offer a captivating journey through the life and legacy of one of the 20th century's most transformative and influential artists. Experience Picasso's distinctive vision, where each canvas reimagines form, space, and emotion, capturing the creativity, innovation, and boldness that defined his revolutionary career.

Discovering Pablo Picasso: A Guide to Exhibitions in 2024 & Beyond

Pablo Picasso Events & Exhibitions: 2024 & Beyond 

Guides

Pablo Picasso, a Spanish artist renowned for his paintings, prints, and ceramics, has left a cemented mark on Modern art, making him one of the 20th century's most influential artists. In 2023, he topped the global ranking of best-selling artists at auction, with most of his works purchased in the United States. Aside from the success seen in the originals market, Picasso's prints frequently see success in day and edition sales. This article explores the most expensive Picasso pieces sold at auction to date.

Pablo Picasso Value: Top Prices Paid At Auction 

Spanish artist Pablo Picasso was a pivotal figure in the evolution of 20th century art. Picasso's innovative approach to form, colour, and perspective transformed artistic expression and cemented his status as one of the era's most influential artists. Discover how the artist played a crucial role in the development of Modern art by taking a look at his 10 most famous artworks.

Painting by Pablo Picasso of a woman in despair. The portrait is fragmented into angular shapes and is comprised of green, yellow, grey, blue, orange and brown. 

Pablo Picasso's 10 Most Famous Artworks

not necessarily renowned for the excellent treatment of women in his life

, they are omnipresent in his art. He was particularly interested in the concept of motherhood, a fascination evident in his diverse portrayals of mothers, ranging from nurturing figures to symbols of fertility and strength. Throughout his career, Picasso explored the complexities of the mother-child relationship, embedding personal experiences and cultural influences into his work. His depictions offer a multifaceted view of motherhood, intertwining tenderness and sacrifice, highlighting the profound bond between mother and child and contributing a unique perspective to the discourse on maternity in art history.


In this print, a woman is shown in an atelier and gazing at a canvas. She is depicted in geometric, angular shapes, characteristic of Picasso's cubist style.

Motherhood in the Art of Pablo Picasso

, a Spanish painter, sculptor, and co-founder of the Cubist movement, is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His innovative approach to form, colour, and perspective revolutionised visual art, making him a pivotal figure in modern art history.

This print portrays five nude female prostitutes in a brothel. The figures are confrontational and not conventionally feminine, being rendered with angular and disjointed body shapes, some to a menacing degree. The far left figure exhibits facial features and dress of Egyptian or southern Asian style. The two adjacent figures are in an Iberian style of Picasso's Spain, while the two on the right have African mask-like features.

The Ultimate Guide to Pablo Picasso: A-Z Facts

 is often celebrated for his revolutionary Cubist works, a lesser-explored yet equally fascinating chapter of his artistic journey is his Neoclassical phase. Beginning in the early 1920s, Picasso – already a master of innovation – made a seemingly counterintuitive pivot: he turned back to the classicism that many of his avant-garde contemporaries had rejected. This period, marked by a return to traditional themes, techniques and forms, reveals a different facet of Picasso's inexhaustible creativity and ability to go against the grain.

The Neoclassical phase of Picasso is a testament to his versatility and deep understanding of art history. During this time, his work displayed a renewed interest in the human form, classical themes and clear, structured compositions, drawing inspiration from the Renaissance and ancient Greco-Roman art. This period, often overshadowed by his earlier and more radical Cubist works, offers a unique window into Picasso's  psyche, showcasing his ability to both disrupt and embrace artistic norms.

Pablo Picasso's Neoclassical Phase

The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls…

 journey began early, leading to his role as a co-founder of Cubism and a pioneer of Modernism. Yet, his Blue Period (1901-1904) stands as a distinct chapter, born from the tragedy of his friend Carlos Casagemas' death. Reflecting the era's societal woes, its sombre palette and melancholic themes demonstrate Picasso's mastery in capturing life's raw, unavoidable truths. This period marked a significant shift towards expressionism in modern art and set the stage for his subsequent innovations. Ultimately, Picasso’s Blue Period reveals how personal grief in art can be channelled into compelling compositions.

The Melancholy that Shaped Modern Art

Picasso’s Blue Period

, a name synonymous with groundbreaking art and modernism, was not only a master of the canvas but also an influential figure in the realm of ballet. His lesser-known yet significant contributions to the performing arts, where his vibrant creativity and avant-garde vision found a new stage, are a testament to his versatile genius. From designing mesmerising backdrops and costumes to collaborating with prominent composers and choreographers, Picasso infused his distinctive style into the heart of these art forms. Delving into his artistic endeavours beyond the easel, it is possible to uncover how his involvement with ballet and opera enriched these genres and further cemented his legacy as a versatile and innovative multimedia artist.

An etching by Picasso that shows a large group of nude women, some of which are dancing and some of which are watching or sleeping.

Setting the Stage: Pablo Picasso's Foray Into Ballet

One of the most influential and recognisable artists in history, 

 was as famous for his tumultuous romantic life as he was for his revolutionary canvases. His muses—intelligent, captivating women who played pivotal roles in his creative process— acted as more than mere subjects; they were vital forces that inspired him and shaped the trajectory of his work, although this often came to a detriment of their own lives and emotional wellbeing. In exploring Picasso's complex relationships with his muses and examining how their interactions fuelled his artistic output, it is possible to unravel the bittersweet mix of love, sorrow and brilliance that defined these legendary liaisons and the marks they left on the world of art.

“Women are machines for suffering.”

Pablo Picasso's Muses: The Human Price of Genius

 is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Born in the latter part of the 19th century, Picasso would go on to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression and shape what we consider Modern art by revolutionising the art world with his innovative and experimental approach. Best known for pioneering 

 alongside Georges Braque, Picasso’s influence, however, has extended far beyond a single movement. Through his artistic vision, artistic techniques and contributions to the art world, Picasso's influence has continued beyond his own time and has continued to shape modern and contemporary art. From the fragmented planes of Cubism to the emotive power of his Blue and Rose periods, from his classical revivals to his ventures into sculpture, ceramics and even his ventures into the world of theatre, Picasso ceaselessly pushed the envelope of what art could be and how it could reflect the 

An image of the monochrome print Deux Femmes Se Reposant by Pablo Picasso, showing two nude females resting on a bed.

Cubism and Beyond: Pablo Picasso's Contributions to Modern Art

In the record of 20th century art, few pieces resonate with the outcry and raw visceral impact of 

. Created as a response to the tragedies of the 

, this masterpiece captures the anguish, chaos, and torment experienced by the inhabitants of the bombed Basque town. The monochromatic palette of distorted figures and anguished animals have been housed inside Madrid's 

; and for over three decades, visitors were restricted from capturing their own memories of this iconic painting. Recently, however, the 30-year photography ban on 

 has been lifted, prompting a significant shift that highlights the evolving relationship between art and its viewers, but also propels 

 into modern discourse on appreciation and engagement. As we embrace this newfound access, it begs the question: was the ban a protective measure, shielding the masterpiece from the dilution of selfie culture, or was it an inadvertent form of censorship?

Pablo Picasso's Minotaure Aveugle Guidé Dans La Nuit Par Une Petite Fille Au. A drawing of a nude woman surrounded by men seated at a table and standing. 

The New Age of Art Appreciation

Selfie-Gate: Photo Ban Lifted on Pablo Picasso’s Guernica

 the art icon who revolutionised the world of modern art, is known greatly for his exceptional work in printmaking. Picasso is widely considered one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, if not all time. He was a master in various forms of art, including both painting, and printmaking.

Picasso's artistic style and techniques revolutionised the printmaking world, making his prints highly sought-after by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. Even today, many contemporary artists and printmakers are inspired by Picasso's legacy. From Cubism to Surrealism, his art movements have influenced numerous styles and continue to shape the way we view modern art.

The Artistic Legacy of Pablo Picasso

The Master of Printmaking: Pablo Picasso's Legacy in the World of Print

Artistic influences can often transcend time, creating bridges between generations and styles. Such is the case between two titans of the art world: 

, an innovative and groundbreaking American artist of the late 20th century. Picasso was one of Basquiat’s greatest artistic heroes, with the latter claiming that 

seeing Guernica at the MoMA during his childhood

The influence the Spanish master had on the American 

 serves as an intriguing study into how the creativity and ingenuity of one artist can deeply inspire and shape the work of another, even years after the original artist’s lifetime and despite seemingly disparate life experiences. Nowhere else is this more evident than in Basquiat’s remarkable portraits of Picasso, 

one of which just recently sold at Christie’s for £6,462,500

An image of an artwork by Pablo Picasso, depicting a man reading a newspaper with a dog by his side. The work is depicted in Picasso's cubist style and in fine lines.

Young and Old Picasso: The Spanish Artist’s Influence on Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jess joins us as a Sales Director at MyArtBroker from Bonhams, having worked for six years in the auction world as a Specialist in Prints and Editions. Having worked as a specialist and recently as Head of Sale for their Modern British Sale, she has expertise in both the Modern British and the American Pop Markets.

Sales Director

Jess Bromovsky

 is a name that resonates with many as one of the most influential and renowned artists of the 20th century. Known for his diverse and innovative styles, Picasso's work is often associated with the development of modern art. His contributions to political art have recently begun to be 

, especially their significance in shaping public opinion and raising awareness about pressing issues of his time. In this article, we explore Picasso's anti-war and anti-fascist works, providing historical context and analysis, and examining their impact on contemporary art and activism.

“What do you think an artist is? (...) He is at the same time a political being, constantly alert to the heart-rending, stirring or pleasant events of the world, taking his own complexion from them. (...) No, painting is not made to decorate apartments. It is an instrument for offensive and defensive war against the enemy.”

A Closer Look at His Anti-War and Anti-Fascist Works

Pablo Picasso's Political Art

, a pioneer of Modern art, remains one of the most influential and sought-after artists in the world. Although Picasso worked in various mediums, his prints span a variety of techniques such as etching, lithography, and linocut, which are particularly prized for their artistry and investment potential. This buyer’s guide will help you navigate the market for Picasso’s prints, covering different periods of creation, authenticity, condition, and tips for making a confident purchase.

Picasso is one of the most influential figures in art history, known for his pivotal role in shaping Modern and Contemporary art. Throughout his prolific career, he worked across various mediums, including painting, printmaking, and ceramics, continually pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Picasso's works are a fixture at marquee auction sales, with multiple paintings regularly consigned to a single sale, often fetching millions and typically secured with irrevocable bids or auction house guarantees, highlighting their value as both collectible masterpieces and assets. Picasso's printed works also maintain a significant presence in day sales and print auctions, commanding prices from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands, reinforcing the artist's enduring impact on the art market.

Why Collect Picasso?

Why Collect Pablo Picasso?

A Buyer's Guide to Pablo Picasso Prints

 is one of the most celebrated artists in history and consistently ranks among the top five selling artists in the Western art market. Demand for his works, including both originals and prints, remains strong. When selling a Picasso print, it's essential to consider current market trends, provenance, condition, and authentication. This guide provides valuable insights into Picasso's print market value and the authentication process, helping you ensure a successful sale.

Picasso's printmaking career began in the early 1900s, concurrent with his work in the originals market His print market, however, takes a nuanced approach. 

 one of Picasso's earliest print series, was published by art dealer Ambroise Vollard in editions of 250, depicting themes of poverty, isolation, and the transient life of circus performers. This series includes 

 (1904), Picasso's most famous print, where the original etching is a key reflection of his early career and a quintessential Blue Period icon.

 hold Picasso's auction record for a print, fetching over £6 million at Christie's in 2022. The high value is attributed to the verified signature and unknown number of impressions printed by Auguste Delâtre in 1904 and 1905. Editions of this print published by Vollard are valued at £45,000 to 60,000 according to MyArtBroker's 

The 1930s marked another significant phase in Picasso’s printmaking with the 

, produced between 1930 and 1937. This collection features themes of sex, intrigue, and mythology, notably through the minotaur, inspired by his muse Marie-Thérèse Walter who would later influence some of his greatest paintings. Different aquatint techniques were used for works belonging to this collection, showcasing Picasso's diversity as a printmaker. High-value prints from this collection, like 

Minotaure Attaquant Une Amazone (La Suite Vollard)

(1933), are valued between £21,000 to 30,000. Other prints in this series are more accessible, priced at £15,000 and below, depending on condition and authentication.

Post-1945, Picasso collaborated with lithographer Fernand Mourlot, producing approximately 400 lithographs. Many of these works are portraits of Picasso's numerous lovers, including Françoise Gilot and Jacqueline Roque, who later became his wife. Picasso often added unique hand-finished touches to these portraits, using a finger-paint technique. These prints are characterised by vibrant colours and bold patterns. For instance, 

Portrait De Jacqueline Au Chapeau De Paille Multicolore

(1962) is a reflection of this period and is valued between £50,000 and £70,000.

Overall, the market value of Picasso prints varies based on factors like condition, signature, and authentication from the Picasso Administration or his heirs, significantly impacting their worth.

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