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The Picasso Museum 203 of Picassos MUSÉE PICASSO The day it opened the press hailed it as a "museum for Picasso's Picassos." And that's what it is. In lieu of $50 million in inheritance taxes the state acquired 203 paintings, 158 sculptures, 16 collages, 19 bas-reliefs, 88 ceramics, and more than 1,500 sketches and 1,600 engravings, along with 30 notebooks. These works span some 75 years of the artist's life and ever-changing style. And it's worth every penny the state didn't receive in cash. The museum is a testament both to Picasso's mastery of his craft and his almost overflowing creativity. The range of paintings includes a remarkable 1901 self-portrait; The Crucifixion as well as Nude in a Red Armchair; and Le Baiser (The Kiss), Reclining Nude, and Man with a Guitar, all painted at Mougins on the Riviera in 1969 and 1970. Stroll through the handsome museum seeking your own favourite -- perhaps the wicked Jeune garçon à la langouste (Young Man with a Lobster), painted in Paris in 1941. There are also several intriguing studies for Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, which shocked the establishment and launched cubism in 1907. Don't just come for the paintings however. In addition to the works on canvas there are sculptures, ceramics and even furniture all designed by the master himself. Because the collection is so vast, temporary exhibits featuring items like his studies of the Minotaur are held twice per year. Also here is Picasso's own treasure trove of art, with works by Cézanne, Rousseau, Braque, Derain, and Miró. Picasso was fascinated with African masks, many of which are on view. Best of all, the museum is rarely crowded. |