"The radiant figures in silent meditation, or drifting around like angelic spirits, mirror everyday states of mind – those moments of lucid melancholy that are part of the ebb and flow of human life."
“Lucid melancholy.” Yes. I feel fortunate to have seen most of these up close. The posthumous portrait of Carlos is a heartbreaker. We don’t usually associate Picasso with pathos (at least, I don’t) because much of his work is intellectually driven. Tge blue period reveals his tender side.
Thanks, Rona. Yeah, there's something special about his Blue Period paintings. They were more than just an attempt to make a name for himself - Picasso seems to have been really affected by his visits to Saint-Lazare and by Casagemas's death. Like his masterpiece 'Guernica', a genuine sense of compassion/humanity shines through.
This article is making me want to dig through all of Picasso’s works because I’ve never seen any of these and I don’t like the ones that became popular/famous. Thanks! Excellent article.
"If these paintings can so easily be characterised as patronising and voyeuristic, why do they continue to fascinate people?" Well, maybe characterising that way in our facile 21st century way is simply mistaken and says more about us than the paintings?
Picasso’s work cannot be extricated from Picasso the man - his public persona has had such an impact on how we ‘see’ and appreciate his work. Thanks for bringing La Vie to my attention - it’s one I haven’t seen, - and I’d like to see it IRL. Seems I might need to take a trip to its home in Cleveland, Ohio!
“Lucid melancholy.” Yes. I feel fortunate to have seen most of these up close. The posthumous portrait of Carlos is a heartbreaker. We don’t usually associate Picasso with pathos (at least, I don’t) because much of his work is intellectually driven. Tge blue period reveals his tender side.
Thanks, Rona. Yeah, there's something special about his Blue Period paintings. They were more than just an attempt to make a name for himself - Picasso seems to have been really affected by his visits to Saint-Lazare and by Casagemas's death. Like his masterpiece 'Guernica', a genuine sense of compassion/humanity shines through.
Wonderful, James! Some of these paintings are new to me, including La Vie which I find very powerful. Thank you!
Thanks, Jeffrey! Great to hear you enjoyed it. ✨️
Agree. This one is new to me too.
Yes! We have his “Old Guitarist” at the Art Institute in Chicago. One of my favorites from this time period. Thanks for this!
Thanks, Rachel. Oh, how lucky! That's a wonderful painting. And thanks - it's great to hear you enjoyed this post. ✨️
This article is making me want to dig through all of Picasso’s works because I’ve never seen any of these and I don’t like the ones that became popular/famous. Thanks! Excellent article.
Makes me think the same. 😀
Thanks, Mariella! Great to hear that you enjoyed it. ✨️
Like you it is this Blue period I love most. A fascinating read.
Thanks, Deborah! Great to hear that you enjoyed it. ✨️
"If these paintings can so easily be characterised as patronising and voyeuristic, why do they continue to fascinate people?" Well, maybe characterising that way in our facile 21st century way is simply mistaken and says more about us than the paintings?
Picasso’s work cannot be extricated from Picasso the man - his public persona has had such an impact on how we ‘see’ and appreciate his work. Thanks for bringing La Vie to my attention - it’s one I haven’t seen, - and I’d like to see it IRL. Seems I might need to take a trip to its home in Cleveland, Ohio!
And you used the word “oeuvre.” What more can I say?
...the French have all the best words! 💙🤍❤️
Yes, yes they do.