Old Beggar with a Boy By Pablo Picasso

Old Beggar with a Boy, by Pablo Picasso, was painted in 1903 and was in a series of paintings in response to Pablo Picasso’s trip through Spain and the suicide of a friend. (Pablo Picasso- Blue Period) During this time in Spain, they were under the monarchy of Alfonso XIII, and he was more concerned about the well-being of himself than the well-being of his people.(Alfonso XVIII of Spain) As a result, it led many people into a life of poverty.

            Pablo Picasso was known for his variety of styles, but the painting Old Beggar with a Boy was painted during his blue period. His blue period was initially sparked by the suicide of his friend, Carlos Casagemas. (Pablo Picasso- Blue Period) His paintings during this time are painted with dark blue colors and dark green colors, like in Old Beggar with a Boy. They are represented as gloomy and hopeless. Thematically, poverty and lack of health are represented in Old Beggar with a Boy. The two people are depicted as low class citizens on the streets of Spain. The boy has a piece of bread, signifying that the piece of bread is a delicacy and not often received or had.