Simon Schama's Power of Art (2006)

Episode Overview

Born in Malaga, Spain, Picasso is celebrated as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, thanks to his diverse styles and incredible output. He explored various mediums, including sculpture, etching, and printmaking. His artistic journey took off after relocating to Paris in the early 1900s. He first entered his Blue Period, which reflected his emotions through somber hues, followed by the more vibrant Rose Period, inspired by primitive art. His groundbreaking work in Cubism initially shocked critics but ultimately established his reputation. Created during his Surrealist phase, Guernica (1937) powerfully depicts the devastation of the Basque town during the Spanish Civil War. By the end of World War II, Picasso had become a global artistic icon.