A hidden Picasso painting from the early Blue Period is revealed by new technology
One of the earliest pieces from Pablo Picasso’s iconic Blue Period has revealed an unexpected discovery: another figure beneath the surface. This finding provides further insight into the process of the painter’s work during this pivotal time in his life.
Three things to know:
- The 1901 painting titled “Portrait of Mateu Fernández de Soto” portrays the eponymously named sculptor, a friend of the young Picasso. At just 19 years old, Picasso had recently arrived in Paris for his first exhibition in the city.
- According to the Courtald Gallery in London, which houses the painting, advanced X-ray and infrared imaging technology uncovered a portrait of a woman beneath the image of Soto. Experts estimate this underlying portrait was created a few months before the final piece.
- There are several theories for the presence of this unidentified woman hidden beneath the surface for more than a century. One possibility is Picasso’s financial need to reuse canvases during that time. Additionally, he was known to layer his works instead of whitewashing a canvas to start fresh.
For expert advice on health, money, relationships and other lifestyle topics, subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter.
So, who is this gal?
As for the identity of this woman, further research may eventually shed light on who she is. Museum curators currently have no definitive answers, but they speculate that she could have been a model, a friend, or possibly even a lover who posed for Picasso.
Her posture and style resemble those found in several other works depicting seated women that Picasso created in the same year. Researchers theorize there might even be more layers hidden beneath her image.
Read more from NPR on culture:
- For more on art, read about why Mona Lisa’s roommates may be glad she’s finally moving out.
- Want to get deeper? Listen to the It’s Been a Minute podcast, where host Brittany Luse goes beyond the obvious takes. Because culture doesn’t happen by accident.
Roy Wood Jr. on his father, his son and his new book
Actor, comedian and writer Roy Wood Jr. is out with a new book -- The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir. He writes about his experience growing up in Birmingham, losing his dad as a teenager and all the lessons he learned from various father figures throughout his career.
Auburn fires coach Hugh Freeze following 12th loss in his last 15 SEC games
The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.
In a ‘disheartening’ era, the nation’s former top mining regulator speaks out
Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.
‘It’s like feeling the arms of your creator just wrapped around you’: a visit to a special healing Shabbat
Members of Temple Emanu-El in Birmingham gathered recently for their traditional Friday Shabbat service. But this particular service was different, as could be seen by all the people dressed in their finest pink.
Space Command is coming to Huntsville. What might that mean for first-time homebuyers
While Huntsville has been a more affordable market than other growing cities, what’s it been like for those looking for their first home?
Colorado says relocation of Space Command to Alabama is ‘punishment’ for mail-in voting
The litigation announced by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser asks a federal judge to block the move as unconstitutional.
