6. Picasso’s Guitars at the MoMA

Though not a musical instrument that could be played, two of Picasso’s abstract guitar sculptures were gifted by the artist to The Museum of Modern Art. Sculpture formed a key part of Picasso’s artistic development throughout his career, used as both study for his paintings and as treasured objects in his own possession. As the latest exhibit “Picasso Sculptures,” on display until this Sunday, February 7th describes: “Treating them almost as members of his household, he cherished the sculptures’ company and enjoyed re-creating them in a variety of materials and situations. Picasso kept the majority in his private possession during his lifetime. It was only in 1966, through the large Paris retrospective Hommage à Picasso, that the public became fully aware of this side of his work.” The guitars were also part of a 2011 exhibit “Picasso: Guitars 1912 – 1914” dedicated to the object at The MoMA.