9 OF 9

Pablo Picasso

9 of 9 portraits of Pablo Picasso

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Pablo Picasso

by Bill Brandt
bromide print on card mount, 1956
Purchased, 1982
Photographs Collection
NPG x22456

Sitterback to top

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Artist. Sitter in 9 portraits, Artist of 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

Bill Brandt (1904-1983), Photographer. Artist of 120 portraits, Sitter in 34 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Celebrated for his photojournalism and portraiture, Brandt was asked to photograph Picasso by Harper’s Bazaar magazine. He made several visits to the artist’s villa, La Californie, in Cannes, before finally gaining access. In this resulting portrait, Picasso’s familiar features dominate the composition and are emphasised by the dramatic contrasts characteristic of Brandt’s later printing style. Although Picasso’s gaze appears stern, Brandt recalled his charming nature: ‘He posed very well, chatted a great deal and said I could stay as long as I liked and photograph anything that took my fancy’.

Placesback to top

Place made and portrayed: France (sitter's studio, 'La Californie', Cannes, France)

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Spotlight: Photographing Picasso (12 December 2016 - 13 February 2017)
Bill Brandt: Portraits 1982 (7 May 2004 - 22 August 2004)

Subject/Themeback to top

Shadows

Events of 1956back to top

Current affairs

The first supermarket opens in Britain. Inspired by the new innovation in America, Jack Cohen opened his first Tesco supermarket in Essex.
The First Clean Air Act is passed in response to the 'Pea Soup' smog over London.

Art and science

Pop Art is seen for the first time in the This is Tomorrow exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery. The exhibition included Richard Hamilton's iconic collage: What is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?
John Osborne's play Look Back in Anger opens at the Royal Court Theatre, introducing the phrase 'Angry young man' to describe the new movement of gritty, post-war realism in literature.

International

The Suez Crisis rocked Eden's premiership and marked the decline of British world power and influence in favour of America. In 1956 President Nasser of Egypt nationalised the Suez canal. Although Britain and France, who had owned the canal since the 19th century, invaded Egypt, they were soon persuaded to withdraw by US President Eisenhower who disapproved of the occupation.

Tell us more back to top

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