Pablo Picasso and Wilhelm Uhde

Pablo Picasso and Wilhelm Uhde. One — a genius who changed the face of art in the 20th century. The other — a collector and art dealer who saw this genius when others laughed. Without Uhde, Picasso might not have become Picasso so quickly. Without Picasso, Uhde would not have entered history. Their friendship-collaboration lasted for decades, survived wars and emigration. How did a German Jew and a Spanish artist find each other in Paris? How did Uhde help Picasso, and Picasso save Uhde? We tell a story full of passion, art, and mutual benefit.

How they met

In 1905, young German art historian Wilhelm Uhde arrived in Paris. He was fascinated by avant-garde. At that time, Picasso (24 years old) had already moved from the "Blue" to the "Rose" period, but his paintings were almost not sold. Uhde went to the Clovis Sagot gallery, where he saw Picasso's works. He was stunned: flatness, broken lines, strange faces. Uhde bought several works, including "Acrobat and Young Harlequin." They met personally in 1907 at the Rotonde cafe. Picasso liked the German: he was serious, did not delve into silly questions. Uhde began to collect Picasso's paintings, although they were almost needed by no one. This was a risk, but Uhde believed in his "boy."

Picasso's first exhibition in Uhde's gallery

In 1908, Uhde opened a small gallery at Rue Notre-Dame-de-Charonne. There he organized Picasso's first solo exhibition. The poster was drawn by the artist himself. The audience was shocked: "The Avignon Girls" had already been painted, but not exhibited. Uhde showed earlier works. The exhibition did not have commercial success, but attracted the attention of critics. Georges Braque, Andre Derain, Guillaume Apollinaire became regulars of the gallery. Uhde did not earn money, but gained a reputation as a "talent discoverer."

Uhde and Cubism

Picasso and Braque invented Cubism. Uhde was one of the few dealers who agreed to exhibit these "strange things." In 1912, he organized the "Cubists" exhibition, where Picasso, Braque, Juan Gris, Fernand Léger participated. The audience whistled, but Uhde did not give up. He bought several cubist works that later became the golden fund of art. Picasso called Uhde "the only German who understands modern art."

Break and Reunion

The First World War separated them. Uhde was a German national, he was expelled from France. Picasso remained in Paris. Uhde moved to Switzerland, then to Germany. They lost contact. After the war, Uhde returned to Paris, but Picasso had become a celebrity by then, promoted by other dealers (Kahnweiler, Rosenberg). Uhde was ruined. However, they met in the 1920s. Picasso helped his old friend by giving away several drawings for sale. The relationship remained warm, although they no longer collaborated commercially.

Uhde as Picasso's collector

During his life, Uhde collected over 50 works by Picasso, including "The Avignon Girls" (later sold). Unfortunately, during World War II, the Nazis confiscated his collection (Uhde was a Jew). Some paintings were lost, some returned after the war. Today, works from Uhde's collection hang in museums around the world. Picasso himself helped Uhde compile a description of the lost works.

The influence of Uhde on Picasso's creativity

There was no direct influence. Uhde did not suggest plots. But his belief in Picasso supported the artist during difficult times. Picasso said: "When others turned away, Uhde remained." They together visited cafes, discussed art. Some art historians believe that Uhde's interest in naive art (Rousseau, Serafina) influenced Picasso's interest in primitivism. But this is controversial.

Picasso and the discovery of Serafina by Uhde

When Uhde discovered Serafina from Sanlis, he showed her works to Picasso. He was delighted. This brought them even closer. Picasso even bought several of her paintings. Thus, Uhde and Picasso together opened a new genius to the world.

The end of friendship

Wilhelm Uhde died in poverty in Paris in 1947. Picasso, upon hearing of his death, said: "I have lost a friend who was with me at the beginning." Picasso did not attend the funeral (he was away), but sent a wreath. Later, he provided funds for the publication of a book about Uhde's collection.

Pablo Picasso and Wilhelm Uhde — this is the story of how one person believed in another when no one else did. Uhde was not just a dealer; he was a friend, a critic, a moral support. Without him, Picasso's path would have been much more thorny.

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