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Pablo Picasso Facts For Kids

Picasso was certainly a very famous painter indeed, and he may be the first name you think of when someone mentions the word ‘artist’!

Here are some amazing and fun facts about this great artist.

Picasso facts

The Number Of Works In Picasso’s Name

Best you sit down for this. Picasso has 23 words in his name! Picasso was baptized Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruíz y Picasso.

He was named after various saints and relatives. The “Picasso” is actually from his mother, Maria Picasso y Lopez. His father is named Jose Ruiz Blasco.

Now that sure is a long name, but at least we only have to call him Picasso!

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Picasso Nearly Died At Birth

Picasso had such a difficult birth and was a very very weak baby. In fact, he was so weak that the midwife thought that he was stillborn, meaning that he was born dead.

She left him to go and look after Picasso’s mother. His uncle, who was a doctor named Don Salvador, was the one who saved him. Wow, lucky for him. Imagine us not ever knowing who Picasso was?

Picasso As A Child

Picasso as a Child
Photo of Picasso as a Child

What Was Picasso’s First Word?

If you ask your parents what your first words were, they will probably say either ‘mama’ or ‘dada’, but Picasso’s first word, being the great artist that he was, was “piz”.

It is short for “lapis” the Spanish word for pencil.

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When Did Picasso Start Learning About Art? 

Picasso’s dad, Ruiz, decided to start teaching him art at the young age of 7.

However, by the time Picasso was 13 years old, his dad decided to give up painting for good as he thought that Picasso was a far better painter than he was.

picasso painting

When Did Pablo Picasso Paint His First Painting?

Amazingly, at the young age of 9 Picasso completed his first painting which was called Le picador, which was a man riding a horse in a bullfight.

His first major painting, which was an ‘academic’ work was First Communion, which was a portrait of his father, mother, and younger sister kneeling before an altar. Picasso was 15 when he finished it.

He sure was ahead of his time.

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Picasso’s Paintings Are Amongst The Most Stolen

Picasso’s paintings are renowned for their artistic brilliance and profound impact. However, their allure extends beyond the realm of art appreciation, making them prime targets for theft. The mystique surrounding Picasso’s masterpieces and their astronomical value in the art market has turned them into coveted prizes for thieves and black market dealers. From the iconic “Guernica” to the enigmatic “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” Picasso’s works continue to captivate the world. Still, their desirability has also made them some of the most frequently stolen artworks in history.

Picasso’s Iconic Striped Shirt Is No Ordinary Garment

Picasso’s iconic striped shirt is no ordinary garment. It transcends the realm of mere clothing, becoming a symbol of his artistic spirit and rebellious nature. The vibrant stripes, boldly contrasting and intersecting, mirror his avant-garde approach to art. Through this simple yet distinctive shirt, Picasso challenged convention, redefining the boundaries of style and self-expression. It became an emblematic piece, forever linked to the artist’s legacy, reminding us that true artistry extends far beyond the canvas.

Picasso striped shirt

Where Is Picasso Buried?

Picasso, the renowned Spanish artist, is buried in France. After his death in 1973, he was laid to rest in the Château of Vauvenargues, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. The château served as Picasso’s final residence, and he had expressed his desire to be buried there. Picasso’s tomb is in a small cemetery within the château grounds.Many visitors, relatives and his son Claude Pierre Pablo Picasso paid their respects and admire the beautiful surroundings that once inspired the artistic genius who forever changed the world of art.

When Pablo Picasso Died In 1973, He Was The Richest Artist In History

When Pablo Picasso passed away in 1973, he left a legacy far beyond his artistic achievements. Not only was he regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, but he also amassed a vast fortune during his lifetime. At the time of his death, Picasso was recognized as the wealthiest artist in history, a testament to his immense talent and commercial success in the art world.

Lusitania painting

Picasso’s Death Brought Many Misfortunes

Picasso’s death cast a shadow of misfortune, affecting the art world profoundly. His absence left an irreplaceable void, leaving admirers and collaborators bereft. The loss of his artistic genius created a vacuum that was difficult to fill. With his demise, a sense of artistic exploration seemed to wane, leaving a void of innovation and inspiration. The art community mourned the departure of a visionary as the world felt a palpable loss of creativity, brilliance, and boundless imagination. Picasso’s passing marked a turning point, forever altering the landscape of art.

Picasso Was Known For His Love Affairs

Picasso, the renowned artist of the 20th century, was not only celebrated for his revolutionary artwork but also gained notoriety for his passionate love affairs. Picasso engaged in numerous romantic relationships throughout his life which are facts about pablo picasso, leaving a trail of intense emotions and muses behind him. His affairs with prominent figures such as Dora Maar and Françoise Gilot captivated the public’s imagination, fueling gossip and intrigue. Picasso’s tumultuous love life became inseparable from his persona, adding an enigmatic layer to his already complex artistic legacy.

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How Did Picasso Do At School?

Well, let’s put it this way, he was called a “terrible student” and always landed up in detention.

Even though he was a brilliant artist, he did not like being told what to do and didn’t follow the rules, which meant detention for him all the time!

He clearly didn’t enjoy school too much!

What Was Picasso’s First Job?

Picasso signed his first contract in Paris with art dealer by the name of Pere Menach.

He agreed to pay Picasso 150 Francs per month, which is about the equivalent of US$750 today.

Did Picasso Steal The Mona Lisa?

Did you know that there were rumors that Picasso stole the Mona Lisa? Well there certainly were.

However he didn’t, but in 1911, when the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, the police took in Picasso’s friend, the poet Guillaume Apollinaire.

Apollinaire ratted out Picasso as a suspect, so the police hauled him in for questioning. Both were later released and weren’t guilty of the crime.

mona-lisa-picasso

Cubism

In 1909, Picasso and French artist Georges Braque co-founded an art movement known as cubism.

Actually, it was a French art critic Louis Vauxcelles who first called it “bizarre cubiques” or cubism, after noticing that Picasso and Braque’s paintings were all “full of little cubes.”

Who Were Some Of Picasso’s Greatest Friends? 

He certainly moved around in famous circles as he was great friends with another very famous painter by the name of Marc Chagall.

Also, he named Paul Cezanne as his one and only master.

Hope you enjoyed our fun facts about Pablo Picasso!

Maybe you can use these for a school project or just share your knowledge with your friends and family.

More Famous Artists.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What inspired Picasso’s art?

Various sources, including African and tribal art, ancient Mediterranean cultures, and Iberian sculpture, inspired Picasso’s art. He also drew inspiration from his personal experiences, political events, and the works of other artists, such as El Greco and Paul Cézanne. These influences shaped his unique and revolutionary artistic style.

2. Why are Picasso’s paintings so valuable?

Picasso’s paintings are highly valuable due to several reasons. Firstly, Picasso was a revolutionary artist who significantly influenced modern art. His innovative techniques, unique style, and bold experimentation set him apart. Additionally, his limited output, historical significance, and the scarcity of his original works contribute to their high value in the art market.

3. What was Picasso’s inspiration?

Picasso’s inspiration was diverse and ever-evolving. He drew inspiration from various sources, including African art, classical paintings, and the works of other artists such as Cézanne and Matisse. His personal experiences, emotions, and political events also influenced his art, resulting in his groundbreaking and revolutionary artistic style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pablo Picasso was a revolutionary artist whose impact on the art world is immeasurable. Through his groundbreaking techniques and fearless exploration of new styles, Picasso challenged the traditional notions of art and redefined the possibilities of creativity. 

His ability to seamlessly transition between different artistic movements showcased his versatility and genius. Picasso’s work continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends time and generations. In the article we have read about the Pablo Picasso interesting facts from his early years of artistic prodigy to his later years as a revered master, Picasso’s contributions to art will forever be celebrated as an integral part of art history.

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