An Introduction to Pablo Picasso

Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Crispiniano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso is a Spanish artist renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to Cubism and his diverse artistic explorations. He is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century. His prolific career lasted over 70 years, leaving behind a staggering legacy of nearly 13,500 paintings, along with sculptures, ceramics, and other works of art.

1966 is the same year that Pablo Picasso created of The Face, the first artwork curated by Bensi Box. Picasso's work was well celebrated in the year 1966. Major examinations of his vast work were held in Tel Aviv and Basel, while the Art Institute of Chicago featured several of his masterpieces in its "School of Paris" exhibition. This year also saw the death of André Breton, a fellow Surrealist and close friend, a tragedy that definitely affected Picasso's artistic soul. Paris, on the other hand, was buzzing with another big event: a huge tribute to Picasso at the huge Palais, which featured an outstanding collection of 700 pieces. He opted not to attend Paris though.

The Face (1966) was purchased by the Galerie Mathias Fels in Paris from Picasso in 1967, shortly after its creation. Mathias Fels, the founder of the Galerie Mathias Fels in Paris, established a significant relationship with Pablo Picasso. This went beyond a typical dealer-artist arrangement, evolving into a close collaboration that profoundly impacted the latter part of Picasso's career.

Their association began in the late 1950s. Fels effectively promoted Picasso's work to a wider audience, leveraging his deep understanding of the art market and his network of collectors. He also served as a trusted advisor, offering insights into contemporary art and providing unwavering support. Beyond the commercial aspect, Fels played a crucial role in preserving Picasso's legacy. He meticulously documented the artist's work, ensuring its authenticity and provenance, which remains invaluable for art scholars and collectors today.

The Face (1966) features several stamps imprinted on the back of the paper. One of these stamps was imprinted by the Galerie Mathias Fels in Paris signifying it was collected and curated by them.

Picasso, a man of contradictions, could be notoriously unpredictable when it came to authenticating his own work. Stories abound of him refusing to sign paintings he knew were his, or conversely, angrily defacing canvases brought to him for verification. This enigmatic behavior, however, highlights the profound connection he felt with his art. Each brushstroke, each line, was a unique expression of his soul, and the act of authentication, for him, was a deeply personal and often elusive endeavor.

In the years following his death, the authentication of Picasso's works became a complex and often contentious issue. Disagreements among his heirs led to the establishment of multiple authentication bodies, creating confusion and uncertainty within the art world. Dealers and auction houses faced the daunting task of navigating conflicting certificates, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate process. However, the eventual establishment of the Picasso Administration has streamlined the authentication process, ensuring that the legacy of this artistic giant remains protected and accessible to future generations.’

The Picasso Administration generally discourages public display of authentication certificates. This policy aims to protect the integrity of the authentication process. We intend to uphold this policy as Bensi Box. For the full authentication process details, check out our documentation.

Sources

Picasso Experts. (n.d.). Biography Pablo Picasso. Picasso Experts. https://www.picassoexperts.com/biography_pablo_picasso.html

Art News. (2020, September 22). Authenticating Picasso. Art News. https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/authenticating-picasso-2146/

Picasso Administration. (n.d.). Ojo 1. Picasso fr. https://www.picasso.fr/en/ojo-1-files