When Did Picasso Go to Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, spent most of his life in France. However, before he became a pioneer of modern art in Paris, he spent some formative years in Madrid.

Early Life and Education
Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain, in 1881. His father was an artist and art teacher who introduced him to painting at a young age.

In 1895, when Picasso was just 14 years old, his family moved to Barcelona. There he enrolled in the School of Fine Arts and quickly distinguished himself as a talented student.

The Move to Madrid
In 1897, at the age of 16, Picasso moved to Madrid to attend the Royal Academy of San Fernando. This was a significant move for the young artist as it put him at the center of Spain’s cultural and artistic scene.

The Academy
The Royal Academy of San Fernando was founded in 1744 and had a long history of educating Spain’s most prominent artists. Picasso studied there for three years and was exposed to a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.

Madrid Influences

While studying at the academy, Picasso was introduced to Spanish masters such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya. These artists had a profound impact on his work and inspired him throughout his career.

The Prado Museum
In addition to studying at the academy, Picasso spent countless hours exploring Madrid’s museums. The most significant influence on his work during this time was likely the Prado Museum. Here he would have seen works by some of Europe’s greatest artists such as Raphael and Titian.

Conclusion

Picasso left Madrid in 1901 and moved back to Barcelona before eventually settling in Paris. However, his time in Madrid was crucial in shaping his artistic vision and laying the foundations for his future success.

References

This article has highlighted Picasso’s early years in Madrid, where he was exposed to a wide range of artistic styles. His time at the Royal Academy of San Fernando and visits to museums such as the Prado Museum had a profound impact on his work. While Picasso is primarily associated with France, his formative years in Spain were crucial in shaping his artistic vision and laying the foundations for his future success.