Artist: Pablo Picasso

Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain on October 25, 1881. He was a son of a painter, Jose Ruiz Blasco. He moved to Paris in 1900 with his  friend. He was influenced and inspired by the bohemian lifestyle of the French. From 1901-1904 Picasso had what was called his Blue Period, where he painted in mostly shades of blue and green. From 1905-1907 he had a phase he called his Rose Period. He used many cheerful shades of  orange and pink colors. He was also influenced by African culture during his African Period and he developed a likeness to shapes and patterns in his Cubism phase.

This painting is called "Woman in a Chemise." Picasso did many paintings in various shades of blue and grey to express melancholy. During his time in Barcelona, he befriended fellow artist Carlos Casegmas. They shared a flat/apartment together. They both lived in deep poverty. But in 1901, Casegmas committed suicide. In mourning, Picasso was devastated and his paintings reflected his somberness. This became famously known as his Blue Period.

I chose this painting in particular because I have always liked his Blue Period pieces over every other artworks he has done. This painting is so lonely looking, yet it strikes me as 'whimsical' because the lines aren't exact, and straight, and precise. And the background looks messy and unclear, which gives off a dreary vibe. It also appears that the woman is fading in with the background or vanishing into thin air. I can connect this piece of artwork to others from Picasso. Most paintings from his Blue Period reflected loneliness. Also, something I've noticed in all of his paintings during the Blue Period, none of his subjects were directly facing ahead. They either had their eyes low and averted or is staring into the beyond. I thought that was an interesting thing that was similar about many of his paintings.


(Famous Artists;Picasso by Antony Mason pg 6-13)