Hélène Chez Archimède

1939–1940

Retrospective at MoMA

The Museum of Modern Art in New York held a major retrospective of Picasso's principal works, revealing to the American public the scale of his achievement.

1940–1944

Life in Occupied Paris

During the German occupation Picasso remained in Paris; his style did not conform to the Nazi ideal of art, he did not exhibit and was harassed by the Gestapo, but he continued to work.

1944

Joining the French Communist Party

Picasso joined the French Communist Party and remained a member until the end of his life.

1944

Beginning of His Relationship with Françoise Gilot

After the liberation of Paris, the 63-year-old Picasso began a relationship with the young painter Françoise Gilot; their children Claude (1947) and Paloma (1949) were born. In 1953 Gilot left him, taking the children.

autumn 1947

Beginning of Ceramic Work in Vallauris

Picasso began working at the Madoura pottery in Vallauris, captivated by the craft: he produced numerous dishes, decorative plates, jugs, and figurines.

1952

Meeting Jacqueline Roque

In Vallauris Picasso met Jacqueline Roque, who worked at the Madoura ceramics workshop; in 1961 she became his second wife and remained with him until the end of his life.