Pablo Picasso

The Death of Casagemas (1901) 

Pablo Picasso’s “Blue Period” began in 1901, shortly after he moved from Barcelona to Paris. The works he produced from 1901 to 1904 were very grave and solemn. Also bearing strong sentimental value, his art from his this time was crafted from the depression he experienced after the suicide of his close friend, Carles Casagemas. Casagemas had killed himself because of the extreme grief and pain he felt due to the loss of his lover. “The Death of Casagemas, 1901” was one of the very first paintings Picasso created during his Blue Period, which would end with his final mournful painting “La Vie” that depicted Casagemas and his lost lover. The era that would follow became known as Picasso's "Rose Period."