The Tragedy

1895–1904 · Workplace

Barcelona

17 February 1901

Suicide of Carlos Casagemas

The suicide of his close friend Carlos Casagemas deeply shook the young Picasso and became one of the impulses behind the Blue Period.

1901–1904

The Blue Period

The Blue Period began — somber paintings in blue-green tones with themes of poverty and sorrow; Picasso divided his time between Barcelona and Paris.

1904

Move to Paris, Beginning of the Rose Period

Picasso settled in the Bateau-Lavoir residence in Montmartre; the sorrow of the Blue Period gave way to images of the theater and the circus — the Rose Period began.

1904

Meeting Fernande Olivier

In Paris Picasso met the bohemian artist Fernande Olivier, who became his lover and the model for many Rose Period paintings.

1905

Meeting the Steins and Matisse

Picasso became a favorite of the collectors Leo and Gertrude Stein; at one of Gertrude Stein's gatherings in 1905 he met Henri Matisse — a lifelong friend and rival.