The painting «First Communion» was created by 15-year-old Picasso on the advice of his father for the Exhibition of Fine Arts in Barcelona in 1896. At that time, Pablo attended La Lonja School of Art. Picasso has never been a devotee or a religionist (at least in the traditional sense of the word). Nevertheless, his 1895-1896 student drawings contain quite a lot of scenes from the life of Jesus and images of saints. The active and ambitious young artist could not help but be interested in means of expression and iconographic schemes used by the great masters of the past: this "food" for his personal creative growth was digested almost beyond recognition and gradually formed the Picasso’s artistic personality. Many years later, the author of many articles and books about the master, Pierre Daix, who knew Picasso more than a quarter century, asked him whether he regretted that he created paintings like «First Communion». And Picasso answered: "No way, back then it was very important for me."
For me abstract art is boring. I never know what the heck the artist is trying to convey. But this is amazing especially the shadows in the communion. I can stare at it for hours. Who defines what art is the viewer or the critic ? If it evokes feeling in you it is art. I don't denounce abstract art but no one can tell me I know nothing of art. If abstract evokes feelings in those viewers who have acquired a taste for it then that's art for them. But let them not tell me what's art for me. Only I can tell what's art for me. 13 March
2017
#7. Sassynaustin, Austin, Tx
I have seen this painting in person. It is breathtaking. Even more amazing because of the youth of the artist. Very close to life-size, I almost expected the communicant to start reciting prayers. 11 February
2012
#6. jazzy, us, san francisco
not that good, its kinda boring compared to his other stuff 05 June
2011
#5. Annabella, USA, Massachusetts
Screw you all, this is amazing! 09 December
#4. Peter, San Jose , USA
Very much in a realist style. Excellent use of shadow in the upper walls to bring out the highlights in his sister`s dress. Beautiful. 09 October
#3. JB, Ireland
Gorgeous ! 29 July
#2. christopher d ashley, Reading, UK
no, any artist could not do that. picasso had 2 sisters, one who died very young. look at the candles. if all you see is paint you know nothing of art. 22 June
2010
#1. jack, netherlands
He did not even win the contest ,, drew when he was 15 ,, very unoriginal painting, anygood artist could do that. 02 September
12 recent comments
06 October Virat from INDIA wrote: 'Sir, i want to know the location of this original artwork,mother and child.'
23 August admin from SPB wrote: 'Michele, did you mean this print?'
22 August Michele Whiting from Cinncinati art museum wrote: 'They claim a similar piece same name same year but the head tilts up and to right. No picture of this on your site. Is this a part of a series? A misnamed piece?'
22 August Michele from Cinncinati art museum wrote: 'Seeing it in person a definite highlight.'
22 August Karin Henkel from Göttingen wrote: 'Ich suche dieses Bild "Mere et enfant, etude de mains" als gut erhaltenen Druck. Bitte alles anbieten.
Wer kann mir weiter helfen?'
11 August admin from Göttingen wrote: 'you're rigth, thanks!'
10 August sim from Canberra wrote: 'This work is not made in 1930 but 1937 and the title is 'Still life with mask''
10 August Annie from Nice wrote: 'Amazing website'
09 July Kevin from Weare,nh wrote: 'Who currently owns this piece ?'
08 July José Miguel from Chile wrote: 'The painting is in a private collection in Chile, along with some other important works.'
20 June amsg from ger wrote: 'which are the exact originals by velázquez and murillo?'
17 June HAHA from UP YOUR ass wrote: 'nice work really helped me in my exam thANK YOU'
