Pablo Picasso

(1881-1973), Spain. The initiator of Cubism and probably the paramount influence on the art of the 20th century. He did not seek to imitate form, but to create form. From a leader of the postimpressionist school, he evolved into the creation of a language of form, a visual music. His large mural composition Guernica (137k) presented the tragedy of the Civil war in Spain. His inventive gift, which led him from one experiment to another, inspired many followers. He was also one of the first to appreciate the expresiveness of African sculpture. In his erotic gravures the supreme artist expresses the supreme sexual man. He was the outstanding influence in modern art among his contemporaries. A new, virtual museum is now dedicated to him