How old was Picasso in this self-portrait?

Picasso was 20 years old when he painted this self-portrait in 1901. Despite his youth, he depicts himself as prematurely aged and world-weary.

What period does this belong to?

This is an early work of Picasso's Blue Period (1901-1904), characterized by somber blue tones and melancholic subjects influenced by his friend's suicide.

What is significant about this self-portrait?

It shows Picasso's early mastery of psychological portraiture and marks his transition from a talented young artist to one capable of profound emotional expression.

Where Is Self-Portrait? See It at This Museum

Pablo Picasso completed this intense self-portrait in 1901, at the beginning of his Blue Period. At just 20 years old, he depicts himself as gaunt and hollow-cheeked, wearing a dark coat against a blue background. The somber palette and psychological intensity mark a dramatic shift from his earlier, more colorful work.

This self-portrait was created shortly after the suicide of Picasso's close friend Carlos Casagemas, an event that deeply affected him and initiated the Blue Period. The young artist appears older than his years, with a haunted expression that reflects both personal grief and his identification with society's outcasts. The painting demonstrates how early Picasso developed his ability to convey emotional depth.