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."
Unlike the real thing, the color is too red. 11 May
2019
#8. Tariq, California
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
30 May Gregg S from Oakland, CA wrote: 'This is a very poor example of this lithograph. Every litho is somewhat different by the very nature of the process. But this one is missing a great deal of background ink all around the image, especially near the bottom that the horses legs blend into.'
11 May Christopher from Portland wrote: 'Do people think they are original with the 8 years old comments? That is such an old joke, and so stupid. Perhaps your mind is that of an 8 year old if you can't see the beauty and genius of Picasso. Please go back to watching TV. This art is not for you.'
01 May Austral from Leighton Buzzard wrote: 'I don't understand those who say they "don't understand the hype". Surely this is a page about Picasso, so if you don't like him, don't come here??... I'll be honest, five years ago I didn't really enjoy Picasso as much as I do now. He is not everyone's cup of tea, especially his avant garde work, but when you look at his hole body of work, I can't help but be impressed. He had such a wide range of styles and was quite successful in most of them. Granted he was an arrogant man and I'm not a fan of his personality, but I don't think he'd much care what we think. I just hope if there's an afterlife, Henri Rosseau is having his own back. :-)'
28 March Max Topfer from Germany wrote: 'It's Josep Fondervila, owner of the Inn in Gosol, Spain. Picasso spent 2 weeks and gained new inspiration, ended his blue and rose period'
14 March cr33p3r from Germany wrote: 'guys whats the meaning behind this painting I need to know for an art project at school'
10 March Prof. da Costa from Philadelphia wrote: 'for all of you inspired and maybe a bit intimidated by Picasso, if you wish to paint, paint (lots of online and free websites) and if not, don't be intimidated. You can appreciate his work and/or someday will have the strength to wake up and sketch or doodle or copy the works of the master. It's all good. At least you got up to see this website.I used to not appreciate Picasso until I read more about him. Sure, he was a misogynist but his life's work is amazing. I started out at age 18 months drawing circles with dots in the middle under the curtains and now am pretty prolific and inspired and I'm turning 70 this month.'
26 February Lera from Russia; Yekaterinburg wrote: 'cool picture'
06 February breyana arrieta from Russia; Yekaterinburg wrote: 'this artwork is so good I love all the abstract and the colors.'
29 January yunwei from berlin wrote: 'i have this painting tattooed on my arm.'
29 January Denis Noel-Smith from Somerset England wrote: 'I studied art for O level at school but did not take the exam as I joined the Army instead at age 17 joined in 1965 and left in 1984. I have been inspired to take up painting again at the age of 72. I have been painting for a year now and have produced about 50 pictures which I gibe away to family and friends. Picasso/Goya/Velasquez/Van Gough/ Dali and others give me inspiration. I paint on cardboard,board.canvas, ceramic etc - My daughter went to Central St Martins- one of my sister is a very good painter and lives in Cornwall and another (self taught) paints in her studio in Cheltenham - to me as an old man suffering from combat induced PTSD, and in lock down, painting has been a joy and theraputic'
13 January L from Somerset England wrote: 'personally i don't understand the hype. sure, it's good for an 8 year old, but tbh it's not that interesting to me.'
03 January friend from California wrote: 'so you start at 16. Eight year difference isn’t much. Even a 50 year difference. You can always start and work to improve dude :) all you need is a little interest. (And don’t be afraid to look for help, maybe one day you can give back) I believe in you.'
