Is the Picasso Painting in Midnight in Paris Real?

By Michael Ferguson

Woody Allen’s 2011 film “Midnight in Paris” features a beautiful painting by Pablo Picasso called “The Guitarist.” The painting plays a significant role in the movie’s plot, as it is admired by the protagonist, Gil Pender, who finds himself time-traveling to the 1920s.

The question that arises for many viewers is whether or not the painting shown in the film is real or just a prop created for the movie. Let’s explore this topic further.

Background on “The Guitarist” Painting

“The Guitarist” is a real painting by Pablo Picasso, created in 1910. It depicts a man playing a guitar and is considered one of Picasso’s more significant works from his Cubist period. The painting was initially owned by art collectors Gaston and Josse Bernheim-Jeune.

Since then, the painting has changed hands several times and has been displayed in museums worldwide. In 1998, it was sold at Christie’s auction house for $39.7 million.

The Painting in “Midnight in Paris”

In the film, we see Owen Wilson’s character admiring “The Guitarist” at the Musée de l’Orangerie museum in Paris. The camera pans over to show us an image of the painting hanging on a wall.

Many viewers have speculated that this image of “The Guitarist” is not actually real and was merely created for the film. However, this speculation has been debunked.

The Verdict: Real

The painting shown in “Midnight in Paris” is indeed real. Filmmakers were given permission to use an actual image of “The Guitarist” in the movie.

However, it is important to note that the painting was not physically present during filming. Instead, a high-resolution digital image of the painting was projected onto a canvas for filming purposes.

Conclusion

While “The Guitarist” may have been digitally projected onto a canvas for filming purposes in “Midnight in Paris,” it is still a real painting by Pablo Picasso. The film’s use of this iconic artwork adds an extra layer of depth to the movie’s plot and serves as a reminder of the timeless appeal of Picasso’s work.

Now that we know that “The Guitarist” painting in “Midnight in Paris” is real, perhaps it’s time to plan a trip to see it in person at one of its many museum exhibitions around the world.