C. Montcada 15-19,
Jaume I

An internationally renowned museum housing an impressive collection of the famous artist’s work. Arranged chronologically the collection covers his formative period spent in Barcelona through to his later works. Expect queues at peak times.

Perhaps most impressive, and certainly best-known in the collection, is Picasso’s huge re-interpretation of Velázquez’s masterpiece "Las Meninas" ("The Ladies in Waiting").

Velázquez is often considered the father of Spanish painting, and by producing his own version of such a famous work Picasso knew he was entering a controversial area. In a letter to a close friend he said, "Las Meninas (is) sure to horrify the specialist in copying of old masters. It would not be The Maids of Honour he saw when he looked at Velázquez’s picture; it would be my Maids of Honour""

The museum displays many of Picasso’s preliminary studies for this epic painting -- in fact, working unseen in his studio for many months, he made over 50 variations before the main canvas emerged. Following such devoted study the resultant work is no simple copy of Velázquez’s picture, but rather a completely new work, rich with Picasso’s own ideas and representations.

contributor: Nigel Hayler