The Masters

Born October 25, 1881 in Malaga, Spain, he completed his first paintings at the age of eight. Indeed, from an early age, Picasso demonstrated exceptional talent. Picasso said of himself that at the age of 14, he drew better than Raphael. Some would say that Picasso was boasting however, others would not dare contradict him. Early in his career Picasso simply reproduce what he saw with extraordinary technique. He quickly realizes that his motivation comes from elements in his life. His many loves will be the determining factor in the evolution of his art. During his lifetime, Picasso will have no less than eight companions; Fernandes Olivier, Eva Gouel, Kokhlova Olga, Marie Thérèse Walter, Dora Maar, Françoise Gilot, Geneviève Laporte and Jacqueline Roque. Two of these affairs will lead to marriage. All of these eight unions will produce four children who also greatly influenced the style of Picasso. Two major events also had a profound impact on his life and consequently his art. First, the death of his eight-year-old sister, Conchita, which could have changed the life of Picasso because he had promised God he would give up what he loved most in the world, painting and drawing, if he spared his sister’s life who was dying of diphtheria. Unfortunately, she died on January 10, 1895 when Picasso was 14. Fortunately for us, Picasso continued on his artistic road. Secondly, the suicide of his friend Carlos Casagemas which was the event that triggered his blue period. Some would say that Picasso's works are strange, special and disturbing. To appreciate this artist, you have to understand what fueled his talent and inspiration. We must look at his work and understand the events in his life during the time he created the piece to truly appreciate them. Picasso died April 8, 1973.

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rin, known as Rembrandt was born July 15, 1606 in Leiden, United Provinces, Netherlands. Rembrandt is an eclectic artist known for his reproductions of biblical scenes with contrasting light and his many self-portraits. He entered the University of Leiden at the age of fourteen and his art was influenced by the luminism of the Roman painter Michelangelo Merisi di Caravaggio. In 1634, Rembrandt married Saskia. He was a very proud man and had passionate, sometimes violent and unstable temperament. During his most prosperous periods, he liked to spend his money on artwork. In 1641, his wife gave birth to their son, Titus. Unfortunately, Saskia died the following year, Rembrandt was devastated. To ensure the survival of his son, Rembrandt called on a young widow from the village to act as a nursemaid. Eventually they became lovers. This illicit union offended the prudish bourgeoisie of the time in Amsterdam, and sales of his artwork drop significantly. In 1649 Rembrandt begins a new liaison with Hendrickje Stoffels, this time, the demand for his work stops completely. In 1654, Hendrickje gave birth to their daughter, Cornelia. Despite rising demand for his work, Rembrandt is debt-ridden. He has to sell his house and all his possessions and move to a modest apartment. In 1663 Hendrickje died, followed closely by Titus. A year later, on October 4, 1669, Rembrandt died in turn.