Picasso showed artistic talent from a young age. His father, an art teacher, recognized his son's potential and provided him with formal training. By the age of 14, Picasso was enrolled in the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid, but he soon became disillusioned with the academic style of teaching. He moved to Barcelona, where he immersed himself in the vibrant avant-garde scene.
Blue and Rose Periods
Picasso's early work is often categorized into distinct periods. The Blue Period (1901-1904) is characterized by somber, melancholic themes and a monochromatic palette dominated by shades of blue. This phase was influenced by the suicide of his friend Carlos Casagemas and depicted subjects such as beggars, outcasts, and melancholic figures. Notable works from this period include "The Old Guitarist" and "La Vie."
