From the Window

Between 1899 and 1900, Picasso reproduced the cityscape he saw from his studio. The window or its equivalent – a balcony, a door – links two spaces: outside and inside. He used these to create basically one-point, descending perspectives and to shape forms and rhythms.

This resource dates from the 15th century, when several theories lead to the invention of a new system of representation that made it possible to transcribe an object onto a plane of projection using a linear perspective. In 1908 Picasso and Braque shook the foundations of these centuries-old ideas with the advent of Cubism.

The Barcelona from Picasso’s window is mostly a city seen from a classical perspective, but for his last Barcelona landscape: Columbus Avenue, 1917. This landscape, donated to the city by the artist in 1970, becomes an avant-garde look at the city that had opened its doors to modernity.

• 

  Pablo PicassoColumbus AvenueBarcelona, 1917Oil on canvas40 x 32 cmGift of Pablo Picasso, 1970Gasull FotografiaMPB 110.028
• 

  UnknownMonument to Christopher Columbusc. 1900Print on printing-out paperArxiu Fotogràfic de Barcelona

http://www.bcn.cat/museupicasso/en/exhibitions/landscapes-of-barcelona.html#des-de-la-finestra

Rooftops

Like other Catalan artists, Picasso portrayed a particular view of Barcelona: from the rooftops. Picasso created rooftop cityscapes from the nearby environment. These views of an elevated Barcelona sometimes become distinguishing skylines of the city.

The rich construction stands in stark contrast to the absence of any human figures – particularly striking given that since the end of the 18th century the city rooftops had offered its dwellers a new space for different uses.

The artist made use of perspective and the interplay of light and shade often creates by evocative full moons. The result is an amalgam of geometric shapes

• 

  Pablo PicassoBarcelona rooftopsBarcelona, 1903Oil on canvas71 x 111 cmPermanently ceded by the Ministry of Culture, 1991Gasull FotografiaMPB 112.943
• 

  Adolf MasPont de la Parra Street1907Gelatin-silver print on toned paperArxiu Fotogràfic de Barcelona

http://www.bcn.cat/museupicasso/en/exhibitions/landscapes-of-barcelona.html#terrats

Modern Barcelona

In the last third of the 19th century, Barcelona underwent a series of major changes, including the construction of Ciutadella Park, where the 1888 Universal Exposition was held. In addition, the city expanded along the gridlines of the Eixample, the seafront developed and the city centre was spruced up.

Modern Barcelona leaved its mark in urban areas on buildings such as the Xifré House, the first modern block of flats in Barcelona. Close to where Picasso lived, this building had the first modern rooftop water tanks in the city.

Picasso often went to Ciutadella Park, recently built, where there were still vestiges of the follies created for the Expo, such as the diorama of the mountains of Montserrat which the artist painted.

• 

  Pablo PicassoFalse mountains of Montserrat in Ciutadella ParkBarcelona, 1895-1896Oil on wood10 x 15,6 cmGift of Pablo Picasso, 1970Gasull FotografiaMPB 110.184
• 

  Frederic Bordas i AltarribaReproduction of the Montserrat mountains in Ciutadella Park1888Modern print© Arxiu Fotogràfic Centre Excursionista de Catalunya

http://www.bcn.cat/museupicasso/en/exhibitions/landscapes-of-barcelona.html#barcelona-moderna

http://www.artabsolument.com/fr/

http://www.artabsolument.com/fr/

Zidane, footing, Noah ... Les vacances sport de Najat Vallaud-Belkacem

LE SCAN SPORT - Après Roselyne Bachelot et Camille Lacourt, place à la ministre des Sports, qui a joué le jeu de notre questionnaire estivale.
Pétanque, James Bond girl, la Réunion... Les vacances sport de Camille Lacourt

http://www.artabsolument.com/fr/

Alfa Romeo expose ses supercars

VIDÉO- Jusqu'au 27 août, le Motorvillage, le flagship des marques du groupe Fiat installé au rond-point des Champs-Elysées, expose quelques uns des modèles les plus mythiques de l'histoire plus que centenaire d'Alfa Romeo.

La ville s'apprête à accueillir la 44e édition du FIL qui débute ce vendredi soir et met en musique, chaque été, le grand port breton en recevant les cousins celtes, avec cette année l'Irlande à l'honneur.