Interesting Facts About Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish artist and sculptor, widely considered to be one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. A pioneer of cubism, he is renowned for the versatility of his artistic styles, which range from the abstract to the figurative. Picasso’s prolific career spanned eight decades, and his works are now held in the world’s most renowned art galleries and museums. Here are 30 interesting facts about Pablo Picasso.

Early Life & Education

1. Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga, Spain on 25 October 1881.

2. His full name was Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso.

3. His father, José Ruiz Blasco, was a professor of art at the School of Fine Arts in La Coruña, and his mother, María Picasso y López, was a homemaker.

4. Picasso was a prodigy who could draw and paint before he could even write.

5. At the age of 13, Picasso was accepted to the School of Fine Arts in Barcelona, and he later studied at the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid.

Career & Recognition

6. Picasso’s most famous works, the groundbreaking Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, was painted in 1907.

7. Picasso was one of the most prolific artists of all time, producing more than 50,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints and ceramics.

8. He co-founded the Cubist movement with Georges Braque and is credited as the creator of the modern art movement.

9. In 1917, Picasso settled in Paris, where he became part of the avant-garde art scene.

10. In 1921, Picasso was the first artist to ever be awarded a grand prize at the Venice Biennale.

11. In 1955, Picasso was awarded the International Peace Prize.

12. In 1961, Picasso was made a commander of the Legion of Honor.

13. In 1962, Picasso was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize.

Life & Death

14. Picasso was a womanizer who was married twice and had many mistresses.

15. Picasso’s first wife was Russian ballerina Olga Khokhlova, whom he married in 1918.

16. Picasso’s second wife was Jacqueline Roque, whom he married in 1961.

17. Picasso had four children: Paulo, Maya, Claude, and Paloma.

18. In 1968, Picasso’s former lover, Marie-Thérèse Walter, committed suicide.

19. Picasso was a passionate art collector and owned works by Matisse, Cézanne, and Renoir.

20. Picasso died on 8 April 1973, at the age of 91, in Mougins, France.

Interesting Facts

21. Picasso was left-handed, but he could paint with both hands.

22. Picasso was an avid chess player.

23. He was a talented musician, playing the violin, clarinet, and guitar.

24. Picasso’s favorite color was blue.

25. He was a vegetarian and an animal lover.

26. Picasso was a passionate bullfighter and was known to frequent the bullfights in Spain.

27. He was a member of the Communist Party from 1944 until his death.

28. Picasso was an excellent storyteller, and many of his works were inspired by his stories.

29. Picasso was a fan of the French poet Arthur Rimbaud and was inspired by his work.

30. Picasso’s paintings have sold for millions of dollars, and some of his works have broken world records for the highest amount paid for a painting.

Conclusion

Pablo Picasso was an exceptionally talented artist and sculptor, whose works have come to define modern art. His life was filled with fascinating stories and interesting facts, ranging from his prodigious talent to his womanizing ways. This list of 30 interesting facts about Pablo Picasso offers an insight into the legendary artist’s life and career.