PICASSO’S CITIES Spotlight on Malaga and Barcelona

Top to bottom: A panoramic view of Malaga and beyond; Pablo Picasso in his studio

Journalist Oonagh Turner discovers Pablo Picasso’s personal connections with the Spanish cities of Malaga, the artist’s birthplace, and Barcelona, where he spent his formative years In PICASSO’S FOOTSTEP

Making waves in the art world from the turn of the 19th Century, Pablo Picasso has long been regarded as one of the world’s most inuential artists, playing a pivotal role in the Cubist movement and aiding the development of a plethora of fascinating artistic styles. While Picasso’s career inevitably took him, like so many other young artists of the time, to the then art capital, Paris, Picasso’s life also played out extensively in Spain. Picasso was born in Malaga before moving to Barcelona and living here from the ages of 14 to 24. e two cities were instrumental in shaping his art and even today, they continue to remain synonymous with his legacy.

BARCELONA

SALA PARÉS Established in 1877, Sala Parés remains one of the oldest art galleries in the world, and has long-standing connections to the thriving Barcelona art scene and to Picasso. e artist presented his rst commercial gallery exhibition here in 1901 at just 20 years of age with a selection of delicate pastel drawings. e gallery went on to put on the joint exhibition with the Catalan portraitist, Ramon Casas, who documented the lives of Barcelona’s political and intellectual elite. e gallery sits in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and makes for a cultural break from wandering the district’s cobbled backstreets.

ELS QUATRE GATS e Spanish answer to Paris’s Le Chat Noir, this late 19th century cultural cafe was initially a spot for artistic and intellectual liaisons and a meeting point for the city’s most prominent modernist gures.

e venue also oered its walls as a concert and exhibition hall and Picasso famously illustrated the poster and even held his rst ever public exhibition here in 1900, when he was just 19. Hidden away in the heart of Barcelona’s old town, Picasso and his artist friends would socialise and while away the hours drinking – now the pastime of tourists and local Spaniards alike.

MUSEO PICASSO, BARCELONA Housing an extensive collection of Picasso’s works spanning the entirety of his career, Barcelona’s Museo Picasso is a fantastic opportunity to truly understand how the artist developed his artistic style. Focusing on the artist’s early years – especially those up until the end of the Blue Period – helps paint a picture of Picasso’s connection to the city. Catch a glimpse of Retrato de la tía Pepa for an insight into the artist’s immense artistic maturity from the young age of 15. Woman with Bonnet is also an important piece that chronicles his interest in capturing the povertystricken lower echelons of society. Aside from the art, the setting itself provides an idyllic break from the bustle of the metropolis, with tranquil courtyards oering up space to retreat and reect on the artist’s genius.

Clockwise, from bottom left: The Cathedral tower and fountain in Plaza del Obispo, Malaga; Sala Parés, the oldest art gallery in Barcelona; visitors enjoy the display at the Picasso Museum, Malaga

MALAGA

MUSEO PICASSO, MALAGA An entire gallery devoted to Picasso’s connection to Malaga. Despite being the city’s greatest artistic export, the museum only came into fruition in 2003 after decades of planning. Today, the walls are hung with over 200 works donated by relatives of the artist. Of the gallery’s highlights, Picasso’s painting of his sister Lola from when he was in his early teens is a favourite and early example of his talent, as well as a selection of sculptures, ceramics and sketches. e museum is a stone’s throw from the seafront, and is housed in the 16th-century Buenvista Palace.

MUSEO CASA NATAL Literally translating to birthplace museum, this tourist hot spot is an unmissable ode to Picasso, honouring his place of birth in the heart of the historic district. An ocial heritage site since 1983, this is the optimum spot where tourists can gage a full understanding of who the young artist was in the 1890s. Visitors can browse a rotating collection and gain a valuable insight into the iconic artist’s childhood inuences. e gallery has plenty of works on display by the artist and his father, José Ruiz Blasco, as well as personal artefacts from the Picasso family. e works have largely been donated from the private collections of the Picasso family and total almost 300 pieces.

CENTRE POMPIDOU MALAGA Aesthetically similar in style to the iconic Parisian landmark gallery, and a branch of the world-famous Centre Georges Pompidou, this Malaga museum is artfully modern with a colourful pop art-style glass entrance. e museum is close to the Port of Malaga, making it an ideal cultural stop o after a day at the nearby beach. Primarily focusing on 20th and 21st century art, the likes of Frida Kahlo, Kandinsky and Francis Bacon can be seen on its walls, as well as the city’s son – Picasso’s.

Marvellous Med

Immerse yourself in Renaissance masterpieces, Tuscan art and iconic seaside treasures on this glorious voyage from Barcelona to the French Riviera to Florence

Above: Considered one of Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Batlló is a must-see attraction in the heart of Barcelona

DAY 1 / BARCELONA, SPAIN Your journey begins with an overnight stay in this endlessly enthralling city. You’ll have time to explore in the evening – feast on delicious tapas or catch a flamenco performance.

DAY 2 / BARCELONA, SPAIN Awake in Barcelona for a day of sightseeing. Wander around the charming Gothic Quarter, stroll along the colourfully chaotic thoroughfare Las Ramblas and marvel at Antoni Gaudí’s architectural wonders, such as Casa Batlló, Park Güell and the iconic La Sagrada Familia.

DAY 3 / MONTPELLIER (SÈTE), FRANCE Stylish, sophisticated and a scholarly hub for centuries, Montpellier impresses with its elegant buildings and stately boulevards. Explore the vibrant Place de la Comédie, the art-filled Musée Fabre and striking Cathédrale St-Pierre.

DAY 4 / MARSEILLE, FRANCE Discover the timeless treasures of Marseille, France’s oldest city. Top sites include the atmospheric Old Port looked over by two 17th-century fortresses and the grand Notre Dame de la Garde, built in the Roman-Byzantine style in the mid-1800s.

58 VIKINGCRUISES.CO.UK | WINTER 2019 The Prince’s Palace and St Nicholas Cathedral are two must-sees in the medieval part of the principality while the Casino de Monte-Carlo is the most celebrated gambling mecca on the planet.

DAY 6 / FLORENCE/PISA, ITALY Witness the splendours of the Renaissance in two of Tuscany’s renowned cultural centres. An included tour of the ancient city of Pisa takes in its famous leaning tower, part of the Roman Catholic cathedral which is located in the magnificent, UNESCO-listed Square of Miracles.

DAY 7 / FLORENCE/PISA, ITALY A ride through picturesque countryside takes you to Florence, the utterly irresistible home of world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine. Don’t miss the stunning marble-clad Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the medieval Ponte Vecchio and Basilica di Santa Croce, the resting place of Michelangelo.

PHOTOS: © ISTOCK DAY 8 / ROME, ITALY Today you’ll wake up in Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, where you’ll depart your ship. You could spend a few extra days exploring some of the famous landmarks of this magical city in more detail on a post-cruise extension. The 8-day 2021 Iconic Western Mediterranean trip, from Barcelona to Rome, starts from £2,190pp.

Discover a dierent view of Spain

Roman ruins and Moorish palaces. Revered cathedrals and renowned art. Enchanting hilltop villages and exciting cites. Epic pilgrimage trails and spectacular natural beauty. Tempting tapas and wonderful wines. No country stirs the soul like Spain. Viking offers a number of ocean journeys on which you can experience the real Spain, its people and traditions. From the historic treasures and tranquil beauty of Cartagena and Murcia province to Granada’s magni‚cent Alhambra Palace and the brilliance of Barcelona, our journeys give you a different view of this passionate and colourful country. Join us as we explore this beautiful land, on board a Viking ship that offers the last word in comfort.

2021 ocean journeys from £2,190pp Call 020 8780 7900 or visit vikingcruises.co.uk