Soler Family (1903) by Pablo Picasso – A Window Into Symbolism

The Soler family painting, created by the renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso in 1903, is a captivating example of his early work during the Symbolism period. This piece measures 150 x 203 cm and is characterized by its warm and intimate portrayal of a family scene. It’s said Picasso's first words were “piz, piz” – attempting to say ‘pencil’.

Composition and Symbolism

The painting depicts a man, woman, and their children sitting on the floor in front of each other, with some holding babies. Two dogs are also present, one near the left side and another towards the right side of the image. A bowl is placed on the ground between the family members, adding to the sense of unity and shared experience. Each member of the family looks directly at the viewer, creating a sense of connection and engagement. The use of earthy tones and soft brushstrokes contributes to the overall feeling of warmth and closeness within the family. Picasso’s father José Ruiz y Blasco believed that proper training required disciplined copying of the masters, and drawing the human body from plaster casts and live models. Observing the precision of his son's technique, Ruiz felt that the thirteen-year-old Picasso had surpassed him, and vowed to give up painting, though paintings by him exist from later years.

Artistic Context

During this period, Picasso was experimenting with different styles and techniques. His work was influenced by various artistic movements, including Fauvism, which is evident in his use of vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes. The Soler family painting can be seen as a bridge between Picasso’s earlier naturalistic style and his later more radical experiments with Cubism. He briefly studied at the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid, finding it stifling and preferring to study masters like Velázquez and Goya independently. Picasso's output, especially in his early career, is often periodized. While the names of many of his later periods are debated, the most commonly accepted periods in his work are the Blue Period (1901–1904), the Rose Period (1904–1906), the African-influenced Period (1907–1909), Analytic Cubism (1909–1912), and Synthetic Cubism (1912–1919). Much of Picasso's work of the late 1910s and early 1920s is in a neoclassical style, and his work in the mid-1920s often has characteristics of Surrealism. His later work often combines elements of his earlier styles.

Comparison with Other Artists

Picasso's work during this period was also influenced by other artists, such as Paul Cézanne, who is known for his Post-Impressionist style. Cézanne's emphasis on the underlying structure of objects and formal qualities of art can be seen in Picasso’s composition and use of geometric shapes. Another artist who had a significant impact on Picasso was Henri Matisse, with whom he shared a fruitful rivalry. Both artists were known for their innovative use of color and form, which is evident in the Soler family painting. Picasso’s father José Ruiz y Blasco believed that proper training required disciplined copying of the masters, and drawing the human body from plaster casts and live models. Observing the precision of his son's technique, Ruiz felt that the thirteen-year-old Picasso had surpassed him, and vowed to give up painting, though paintings by him exist from later years.

Conclusion

The Soler family painting by Pablo Picasso is a significant work that showcases his early experimentation with Symbolism. The warm and intimate portrayal of the family scene, combined with the use of earthy tones and bold brushstrokes, creates a captivating piece of art. For those interested in exploring more of Picasso’s works, Musée National Picasso Paris is a must-visit destination. This museum houses an extensive collection of his works, making it one of the most significant repositories of his art in the world. To learn more about Picasso and other influential artists, visit Pablo Picasso on ArtsDot.

Photo Description: The painting is a family portrait featuring a man, woman, and their children. The family members are sitting on the floor in front of each other, with some of them holding babies. There are two dogs present in the scene, one located near the left side of the image and another towards the right side. In addition to the people and animals, there is a bowl placed on the ground between the family members. The painting captures a warm and intimate moment shared by this family, with each member looking at the camera.

Size: 150 x 203 cm

Date: 1903