In 1897, Picasso, following the advice of his father, painted a huge canvas in the academic manner. Of course, in duty to his father’s wishes, Picasso, who unwittingly discovered expressionism last summer and painted one of the best Spanish portraits - a portrait of a devout and crazy Aunt Pepa, - became much more conservative at the time. "The Science and Charity" is no more than a usual genre painting, the composition of which is surely thought-out by Pablo’s father; furthermore, it is evident that its theme and composition are inspired by the painting by Enrique Paternina, "Mother's Visit". It must be noted that this work continues to admire people, who are not into art, wondering how a 15-year-old teenager managed to paint such a perfect picture.
The painting is certainly impressive, to say the least. But what has always struck me as curious is that none of Picasso's other works from this period are anywhere near as accomplished as this painting. It is a well known fact that at one time it was a common practice in teaching painting, for the master to repaint areas of the student's work. In the case of this painting, I cannot help but wonder how much of it might have actually been painted by Picasso's father. 28 June
#9. Cassandra, Scandinavia
This in intruiguing, I am researching this painting for a school project. 30 March
2020
#8. Steve Wirth,
Is the patient really his sister? Look carefully. There are male features. I read somewhere the patient is the father of the child, both beggars which Picasso paid a tiny fee to model? 21 May
#7. Ralph, Somewhere in the USA
He did a painting called Science and Charity. His father and sister Lola were his models. Lola was shown sick in bed. Pablo’s father posed as the doctor at her bedside. The painting was very realistic in style. It won a prize at an exhibit in Madrid. Pablo beat some of the best artists in Spain! 27 March
#6. Tabisa Mbeki , Lusikisiki
I am impressed with this painting, it grabbed my attention and I wish I can read more history about it. 11 March
2018
#5. May, việt nam
tôi không hiểu ý nghĩ bức tranh 25 October
2015
#4. raiyan, bangladesh, Dhaka
I saw this painting in 1997.The painting was very realistic in style.The he color and texture is very beautiful.It is the most beautiful painting I have ever seen in my life. 03 October
2014
#3. vanna, USA, Merced
This painting stuns me because the correspondence with the title, and the felt painting. "Science and Charity" is so clearly exhibited through the subjects. A man, a doctor, taking the pulse of the sick woman (mother) with his watch, on the right a nun, holding the woman`s probably child giving her tea/medicine. Science and Charity completely amazed. Pablo Picasso completely amazed. 14 March
2011
#2. brenda, united states danville
i really liked this picture because it explains the picture without using words
12 July
2010
#1. William, USA San Diego,
I saw this painting in person at the picasso museum and in no way can you truly appreciate the vibe of this painting unless you see a photograph of the painting, or see it in person, it was the most imprssive painting I saw in Europe. The pictures on the web like the one abpove this comment box have way too much light than the original painting, which has an axtremly dark, sad feel to it but it's at the same time magnificent, brilliant and wondrous. When I found out he did it when he was 16 you could've knocked me over with a feather, how the hell could a kid, a boy, have this much feeling and emotion in him, and convey such dispair and anguish? Absolutly incredible. 15 November
12 recent comments
16 March Ryan Cantrell from USA wrote: 'What am I looking at? Picasso with a 9-year-old????!!!! FREAK'
03 March Brett from USA wrote: 'What 9yr old signs his work like that. Very interesting.'
25 February Pepe from USA wrote: 'Este es el peor cuadro que he visto en mi vida. Un chaval con 15 años, no puede estar pensando solo en dibujar.'
20 December Jason from USA wrote: 'So I'm an art collector who's stumped. I have a lithograph I can't find anywhere on the internet. I have a large litho ( around 28" tall 23" wide) of Picasso's Mother Child 4 hands study but it's different than any other I've found. Fist off, it's a 3 color litho. It's also on Montvall laid paper on board. The print definitely has age to it but obviously no way to tell how old. I have looked for various water marks but haven't found any. Being laid paper on board makes it difficult. I had originally thought it may be printed in France by La Photolithography L Delaporte. Basically because the size was about the same and the 3 print colors were the same. However, the Mother Child litho doesn't have the information located at the bottom margin of the print like others I've seen. So after all that any thoughts?'
16 December luis from Usa wrote: 'Wow nice and where is the original signed'
02 November samarrajo from levenmouth wrote: 'the measurements of the painting are 163.7cm x 132.1cm making the bread, fruit and table almost life size. A nice detail to add into an art and design exam :)'
19 October Front side tail from levenmouth wrote: 'i think the artwork should be abeled to be viewed from all side :((('
21 September Pascal from New York wrote: 'Like everything, you must study or practice to appreciate. If you have eaten burgers and pizza your whole life, it may be difficult to appreciate sushi.'
16 July steve from USA wrote: 'Breathtaking as everything he's ever done. Rich vibrant colors and sharp visceral angles. Picasso is a master'
28 June Nikolai from Switzerland wrote: 'The painting is certainly impressive, to say the least. But what has always struck me as curious is that none of Picasso's other works from this period are anywhere near as accomplished as this painting. It is a well known fact that at one time it was a common practice in teaching painting, for the master to repaint areas of the student's work. In the case of this painting, I cannot help but wonder how much of it might have actually been painted by Picasso's father.'
14 June Ricardo Lapin from Switzerland wrote: 'How much perversion to treat a couple as if they were an object (a model, "muse", etc.) and be indifferent to painting their suffering over and over again, for years without doing anything to help her.'
24 May byats wurnt from Switzerland wrote: 'I think, when dealing with an abstract piece, one must take an approach similar to reading.
On the right, I can see buildings, a staple of modern life.
Warm colours, may indicate heat?
There's a curtain on the left harlequin.
Now we just have to make sense of it.'
