When we think of Pablo Picasso, we often associate him with the city of Paris. However, before he became a celebrated artist there, he spent some time in Madrid.
But why did Picasso go to Madrid? Let’s explore the reasons behind his move.
Early Life of Picasso
Picasso was born in Malaga, a city in Andalusia, Spain. His father was an art teacher, and Picasso showed an early interest in art. He received formal training at art schools in Barcelona and Madrid.
The Prado Museum
One of the main reasons that brought Picasso to Madrid was the Prado Museum. The museum is home to some of the most significant collections of European art in the world. The museum has works from renowned artists such as Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya.
Picasso was fascinated by these artists’ works and spent hours studying them at the museum during his time in Madrid. He was particularly drawn to Velázquez’s technique of capturing light and shadow.
The Royal Academy of San Fernando
Another reason that brought Picasso to Madrid was the Royal Academy of San Fernando. The academy is one of Spain’s oldest institutions for fine arts education. It was founded in 1744 as a way to promote Spanish art.
Picasso enrolled at the academy when he arrived in Madrid. However, he quickly became frustrated with its rigid teaching style and left after only a few months.
The Bohemian Scene
Madrid had a thriving bohemian scene during Picasso’s time there. Artists, writers, and intellectuals gathered at cafes and bars around the city to discuss their work and ideas.
Picasso found himself drawn to this scene and quickly became friends with many artists who were part of it. They would often attend parties together and share their work with each other.
The Influence on His Art
Picasso’s time in Madrid had a significant influence on his art. His exposure to the works of Velázquez and Goya helped shape his style and technique. He also experimented with new styles and techniques and began to develop his own unique style.
In conclusion, Picasso went to Madrid mainly to study the works of renowned artists at the Prado Museum, enroll in the Royal Academy of San Fernando, and immerse himself in the city’s thriving bohemian scene. His time in Madrid was crucial in shaping his artistic style and technique, which would go on to revolutionize the art world.