Spanish artist Pablo Picasso stands apart within the canon of art history as not only one of the most internationally famous figures of the 20th century, but also one of the most prodigious. With a body of work comprised of painting, sculpture, prints, ceramics, and more, his expansive oeuvre has captured the attention of generations, and become the subject of ongoing engagement from the art world. Based in Düsseldorf, Beck and Eggeling International Fine Art, helmed by Ute Eggeling and Michael Beck, is one such gallery that has continually championed the work of this seminal artist.
Pablo Picasso, Nature morte sur un guéridon (guitare et coupe de fruits) (1920). Courtesy of Beck and Eggeling International Fine Art, Düsseldorf.
This year, Beck and Eggeling International Fine Art celebrated their 30-year anniversary, and over the course of the gallery’s long and storied history has staged no less than nine shows dedicated to Picasso. Opening in late 2023 and through early 2024, the gallery presented a sprawling exhibition, “Picasso Total,” featuring nearly 100 works by the artist across numerous mediums. The show was made possible by Beck and Eggeling’s longstanding and close ties with both international colleagues and experts as well as strong collectorship. It also speaks to the gallery’s commitment to what they have described of as the “nearly inexhaustible” subject that is Picasso.
Pablo Picasso, Femme au fauteuil No. 4 (d’apres le violet) (1949). Courtesy of Beck and Eggeling International Fine Art, Düsseldorf.
More recently, the gallery staged yet another intriguing show of works by Picasso in collaborations with Priska Pasquer Paris, “Innovation Intemporelle,” or “Timeless Innovation,” which closed earlier this month. Here, a selection of works by Picasso were featured alongside those of four contemporary artists, Leiko Ikemura, Radenko Milak, Aljoscha, and Zohar Fraiman. Steps away from the Picasso Museum in Paris, the exhibition highlighted the ongoing influence of Picasso on subsequent generations of artists through visual dialogues and juxtapositions.
Pablo Picasso, Tarasque (1954). Courtesy of Beck and Eggeling International Fine Art, Düsseldorf.
Each of the four contemporary artists, bringing their own unique creative voice to the exchange with the juggernaut of art history, highlighted the boundlessness—and relatability—of Picasso’s legacy. As described by the galleries, “Despite their diverse backgrounds and artistic approaches, Picasso, Ikemura, Aljoscha, Milak, and Fraiman share a common commitment to pushing the boundaries of art. They all address themes that are deeply personal and universally significant, exploring the complexities of human existence, memory, and the future. Their works invite viewers to engage with art on various levels, offering both aesthetic pleasure and intellectual challenge.”
Explore the work of Pablo Picasso with Beck and Eggeling International Fine Art here.