Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruíz y Picasso – known to the world as Pablo Picasso – was born on October 25, 1881, in Málaga, Spain. As one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Picasso's revolutionary approach to art transformed the landscape of modern visual expression.

Picasso displayed prodigious artistic talent from an early age, receiving formal training at the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. However, he quickly moved beyond traditional artistic norms, experimenting with various styles and techniques. By the age of 20, he had already gained recognition in the avant-garde art circles of Barcelona and Paris.

The Blue Period (1901–1904) marked a pivotal phase in Picasso's career, characterised by somber and melancholic tones reflecting themes of poverty and human suffering. This period transitioned into the Rose Period (1904–1906), where warmer colours and circus scenes emerged, showcasing a more optimistic outlook.

The watershed moment in Picasso's career came with the development of Cubism, co-founded with Georges Braque. This revolutionary movement shattered conventional perspectives by breaking down objects into geometric shapes and presenting multiple viewpoints simultaneously. The groundbreaking painting "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (1907) is considered a Cubist masterpiece, heralding a new era in art.

Picasso's oeuvre spans a wide range of styles, from the neoclassical influences of the 1920s to the surrealism of the 1930s. His exploration of form and content extended to sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking. The Guernica (1937), a powerful depiction of the horrors of war, stands as an enduring symbol of anti-violence and has become one of the most iconic works of the 20th century.

Beyond his artistic innovations, Picasso's personal life was marked by complexity. His relationships with women, particularly Fernande Olivier, Dora Maar, and Françoise Gilot, often influenced the thematic elements in his work. Picasso's ability to draw inspiration from his surroundings and personal experiences contributed to the richness and diversity of his artistic output.

Pablo Picasso's influence extended far beyond the realm of fine art, permeating literature, music, and popular culture. He collaborated with poets like Guillaume Apollinaire and Jean Cocteau, and his involvement in set design for the Ballets Russes showcased his interdisciplinary talents.

Throughout his long and prolific career, Picasso produced an estimated 50,000 artworks, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles. His restless creativity and unwavering commitment to artistic exploration earned him international acclaim, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. Pablo Picasso passed away on April 8, 1973, in Mougins, France, leaving behind a monumental legacy that continues to captivate and inspire artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.