The Picasso Connection

Without a doubt, Picasso is one of the most important and versatile artistic personalities of the twentieth century. But how does a body of work become so successful, and how does it wind up in major collections, museums, and exhibitions? Not infrequently, it is the courage of individuals who recognize genius in the works and advocate for them in the face of conservatism and criticism. In Picasso’s case, this role in Germany fell to the Bremen art dealer Michael Hertz. It was his commitment in the post-war period that resulted not only in the museumization of the artist after the Second World War, but that also greatly benefited Kunsthalle Bremen, which has one of the most extensive collections of the artist’s prints. This volume brings together the outstanding printworks, including lithographs, linocuts, and book illustrations. Picasso’s oeuvre of prints can be regarded as a fascinating collection, in which can be read the triumph of the affordable medium in post-war Germany, as well as the dealer’s strong commitment. PABLO PICASSO (1881–1973) is regarded as the epitome of the twentieth-century artist. In addition to his paintings and sculptures, his graphic works also enjoy special fame.MICHAEL HERTZ (1912–1987) made a name for himself in the post-war period as an art dealer. Through his contacts to the French art scene, he encountered the work of Picasso and became the exclusive representative for his printworks in Germany.