Where Did Picasso Live in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of Pablo Picasso, you might be wondering where he lived in Paris. After all, it was in the City of Lights where he spent a significant amount of his career and created some of his most famous works. In this article, we’ll explore some of the places where Picasso lived during his time in Paris.

Early Years – Bateau-Lavoir

In his early years in Paris, Picasso lived in a studio apartment located at 13 Rue Ravignan. This building was famously known as the Bateau-Lavoir (the “Laundry Boat”) due to its resemblance to a laundry boat on the Seine river. Picasso’s apartment was small and cramped, but it was in this space that he painted some of his most revolutionary works such as Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.

Les Demoiselles d’Avignon

This painting is considered one of the most important works in the development of modern art due to its radical departure from traditional representation. Painted in 1907, Les Demoiselles d’Avignon features five nude women painted with angular and disjointed forms. It shocked viewers at the time and helped establish Picasso as a leading figure in the art world.

Later Years – Rue des Grands-Augustins

As Picasso’s fame grew, he moved to larger and more luxurious apartments. In 1936, he moved with his mistress Dora Maar to an apartment at 7 Rue des Grands-Augustins. This apartment overlooked Notre-Dame Cathedral and featured large windows that let in natural light – perfect for an artist.

Dora Maar

Dora Maar was a French photographer who became one of Picasso’s most famous muses and lovers. She documented much of his work during this period and influenced him greatly through her surrealist photography. The couple’s tumultuous relationship is often reflected in Picasso’s work during this time.

Final Years – Rue de la Boétie

In his final years, Picasso moved to a grand apartment at 23 Rue de la Boétie. This apartment was located in the heart of Paris and featured large rooms and high ceilings. It was in this space that Picasso created some of his most iconic works such as The Women of Algiers and The Old Guitarist.

The Women of Algiers

This painting is a series of 15 canvases that depict women in a harem. It was inspired by the works of Eugene Delacroix, an artist whom Picasso greatly admired. The Women of Algiers is considered one of Picasso’s greatest masterpieces and is valued at over $160 million.

  • Conclusion:

Picasso lived in various places throughout Paris during his career, but it was in these spaces where he created some of his most iconic works. From the cramped quarters at Bateau-Lavoir to the grand apartment on Rue de la Boétie, each space influenced Picasso’s art in different ways. If you’re ever in Paris, taking a walk through these neighborhoods will give you a glimpse into the life and work of one of the greatest artists of all time.