“When you start with a portrait and search for a pure form, a clear volume, through successive eliminations, you arrive inevitably at the egg. Likewise, starting with the egg and following the same process in reverse, one finishes with the portrait.”
- October 25, 1881 – April 8, 1973
- Born in Spain
- Painter, sculptor, printmaker
- Founder of Cubism, he had a revolutionary influence on 20th century art, leaving behind masterpieces such as “Guernica”
Quote
“When you start with a portrait and search for a pure form, a clear volume, through successive eliminations, you arrive inevitably at the egg. Likewise, starting with the egg and following the same process in reverse, one finishes with the portrait.”
Explanation
In this quote, Picasso describes his approach to abstracting forms and the process of reducing and reassembling reality. He suggests that when you begin with a complex, detailed representation of a subject (like a portrait) and strip away layers to uncover its essential shape, you ultimately return to the simplified form—in this case, the egg. The egg, as a basic and fundamental form, represents the most elemental and pure version of reality. Picasso’s statement also highlights how the creative process can go in reverse—starting with something as simple as the egg and through a series of additions, you can recreate a complex form like the portrait. This cyclical approach reflects Picasso’s belief in artistic transformation—how breaking things down and building them back up can lead to new insights and perspectives.
This idea is particularly relevant in modern art, where artists frequently move between representation and abstraction. Picasso, as a pioneer of Cubism, was deeply invested in exploring how simplified shapes and geometries could convey more about a subject’s essence than traditional, realistic portrayals. The quote also suggests that the boundaries between realism and abstraction are not fixed; rather, they are part of an ongoing process of reduction and reconstruction that can reveal deeper truths about form and structure.
A contemporary example of this can be seen in the work of minimalist artists or sculptors who begin with basic shapes and progressively build complex forms, such as Donald Judd or Dan Flavin. Similarly, in modern digital art, creators might begin with raw, basic visual elements, such as a geometric figure, and through manipulation or layering, create complex portraits or scenes. Picasso’s quote serves as a reminder that both complexity and simplicity are parts of the same continuum in the creative process, and that the journey from one to the other can reveal new layers of meaning.
