H alf a century since his death, the legacy of Pablo Picasso continues to thrill and inspire artists and art lovers worldwide. He was the 20th century’s artist in residence, his idiosyncratic eye refracting the turbulence, traumas, dreams and visions of his times into stunning visions, gleeful affronts to convention that still pulsate with energy to this day.
As the global art community plans a year of commemoration during 2023 to mark the 50 years since his passing, Sotheby’s is proud to present a rolling programme of sales, events and partnerships throughout the year, to honour the artist who continues to excite year in year out.
Read on to explore fresh takes and archive content, updated regularly reflecting on aspects of Picasso’s life and work as well as updates and news on our programme of events celebrating the life and vision of this unique master.
Picasso, the Legacy
On April 8, 1973, Pablo Picasso died at the age of 91. Nobody knew then that the founder of modern art had preserved works from all his periods, testimonies of an exceptional talent that is called genius. Then begins an inventory of several tens of thousands of works of all techniques, a real journey through time, to distribute all this artistic patrimony which became the heritage of the century. This unprecedented documentary recounts this epic which lasted seven years and first enabled the creation of the National Picasso Museum in Paris by the delivery of works of art in payment of inheritance taxes. Exclusive testimonials, archival documents, family photographs and films reveal a man in his intimacy and an artist in his glory.
Picasso, the Legacy is proudly sponsored by Sotheby’s
A 110’ and 52’ film written by Hugues Nancy and Olivier Widmaier Picasso
Coproduced by ARTE France, Gedeon Programmes, Welcome, RMN-Grand Palais
Stories & Video
Upcoming Works by Pablo Picasso at Sotheby's
Exhibitions
We are supporting, or partnering with museums worldwide, such as the Musée National Picasso-Paris’s exhibition Picasso Celebration, the Collection Takes Color! (7 March–6 August). Approximately 40 other institutions around the world will also be showing special Picasso exhibitions as part of Celebration Picasso 1973–2023
- THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
- MUSÉE DU LUXEMBOURG
- MUSEO GUGGENHEIM BILBAO
- THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
- MUSÉE NATIONAL PICASSO-PARIS
- MUSEO NACIONAL THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA
- CENTRE POMPIDOU
- MUSEO NACIONAL CENTRO DE ARTE REINA SOFÍA
- MUSEO PICASSO, MÁLAGA
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Picasso: A Cubist Commission in BrooklynTHE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
12 September 2023–14 January 2024 -
Gertrude Stein and Picasso. The Invention of LanguageMUSÉE DU LUXEMBOURG
13 September 2023–21 January 2024 -
Picasso Sculptor. Matter and BodyMUSEO GUGGENHEIM BILBAO
29 September 2023–14 January 2024 -
Picasso in FontainebleuTHE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, NEW YORK
12 September 2023–14 January 2024 -
Sophie Calle. It's up to you, darling.MUSÉE NATIONAL PICASSO-PARIS, PARIS
3 October 2023–28 January 2024 -
Picasso. The Sacred and the ProfaneMUSEO NACIONAL THYSSEN-BORNEMISZA, MADRID
2 October 2023–14 January 2024 -
Picasso. Drawing to InfinityCENTRE POMPIDOU, PARIS
18 October 2023–23 January 2024 -
PICASSO 1906: the Great TransformationMUSEO NACIONAL CENTRO DE ARTE REINA SOFÍA, MADRID
14 November 2023–4 March 2024 -
Exterior View, Museo Picasso Málaga The Echoes of PicassoMUSEO PICASSO, MÁLAGA
2 October 2023–24 March 2024
Events
Picasso’s Montmartre with Le Meurice
Celebrating 50 years Walking Tour
Follow in the footsteps of Picasso and discover the artist’s road to riches tale, as a dedicated expert guide transports you back to the heady, bohemian world of the Belle Époque. In 1918, Pablo Picasso hosted his wedding banquet at Le Meurice and it was the event of the season. Now during the worldwide 50th year celebration of Picasso’s death, Le Meurice invites you to discover the story of romance, intrigue and daring that set Picasso on the road to riches in the heady, bohemian world of the Belle Époque. With lively dialogue, your dedicated expert guide will walk you through the enduringly charming cobblestone streets that set the scene of the tale, sharing anecdotes and stories to bring the characters roaring back to life.
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