Introduction: Picasso’s Decade of Transformation (1910-1919)
The 1910s were a defining decade for Pablo Picasso, during which he pioneered and evolved Cubism, collaborated with fellow artist Georges Braque, and responded to the impact of World War I on the artistic landscape.
The period 1910-1919 can be divided into two major phases:
- Analytical Cubism (1910-1912) – A radical deconstruction of form using geometric shapes and muted tones.
- Synthetic Cubism (1912-1914) – The introduction of collage, brighter colors, and new textures into Cubist compositions.
By the end of the decade, Picasso moved toward a more structured and classical style, influenced by Neoclassicism and the post-war art revival. This gallery presents a collection of Picasso’s groundbreaking paintings from this transformative decade.
The Rise of Analytical Cubism (1910-1912) – Breaking Reality into Geometric Forms
Picasso’s Analytical Cubism (1910-1912) was a revolution in art, characterized by:
✅ Fragmented and overlapping geometric planes
✅ Muted earthy tones (browns, grays, and beiges)
✅ Multiple perspectives in a single composition
During this phase, Picasso and Georges Braque developed a new visual language that deconstructed objects into abstract forms, challenging traditional perspective.
Notable Analytical Cubist Works:
- “Portrait of Ambroise Vollard” (1910) – A fragmented portrait where the subject is almost unrecognizable.
- “Ma Jolie” (1911-1912) – A Cubist depiction of a woman, named after a popular song.
- “Man with a Violin” (1911-1912) – Showcasing Picasso’s intricate deconstruction of musical instruments, a key Cubist theme.
These paintings were highly intellectual and abstract, pushing the boundaries of visual perception and representation.
Synthetic Cubism (1912-1914) – The Birth of Collage and New Textures
In 1912, Picasso introduced Synthetic Cubism, a more colorful and playful phase that incorporated collage elements, stenciled letters, and mixed media into paintings.
✅ Bolder colors and larger shapes
✅ Use of paper, wood, and everyday materials
✅ A more decorative and accessible approach to Cubism
Famous Synthetic Cubist Works:
- “Still Life with Chair Caning” (1912) – Picasso’s first collage, incorporating oilcloth and a rope frame.
- “Guitar” (1912-1913) – A sculptural paper and cardboard construction redefining painting and sculpture.
- “Glass and Bottle of Suze” (1912) – A revolutionary use of newsprint, wallpaper, and painted elements in Cubism.
Picasso’s Synthetic Cubism expanded the possibilities of modern art, influencing Dadaism and Surrealism in later years.
Post-War Transition (1915-1919) – A Shift Towards Neoclassicism
Following World War I (1914-1918), Picasso’s work underwent a dramatic shift. The chaotic, fragmented forms of Cubism gave way to a more structured, figurative style influenced by classical art.
✅ Stronger outlines and more defined figures
✅ A return to traditional human forms
✅ Influence from ancient Greek and Roman art
Key Works from 1915-1919:
- “Harlequin” (1915) – A mix of Cubist abstraction and a return to human representation.
- “Woman in a Chemise in an Armchair” (1917) – Reflecting softer forms and neoclassical influence.
- “Three Women at the Spring” (1918) – A monumental work inspired by Renaissance and classical themes.
By 1919, Picasso’s style was shifting, influenced by his collaborations with Ballets Russes and post-war artistic revival.
Gallery: Pablo Picasso’s Paintings from 1910-1919
This gallery collection highlights Picasso’s Cubist masterpieces, his early collages, and his transition to Neoclassicism. Click on each painting to explore its historical context and artistic techniques.
Conclusion: Picasso’s Impact on Modern Art in the 1910s
The 1910s were a decade of radical change for Pablo Picasso and modern art. His development of Cubism alongside Georges Braque reshaped artistic traditions, inspiring movements like Futurism, Constructivism, and Abstract Art.
By the end of the decade, Picasso began to reinvent his style once again, setting the stage for his Neoclassical period and later surrealist experiments in the 1920s.
This gallery serves as a tribute to Picasso’s most experimental decade, capturing his intellectual and artistic revolution that forever changed the course of modern art.