Sabartés by Picasso by Sabartés, Exhibition, Museu Picasso, Barcelona: 23 November 2018-24 February 2019

Picasso could not have become the artistic titan he did without the help of those who believed in him. First and foremost among these was Jaume Sabartés (1881-1968). Though an artist himself, Sabartés influenced Picasso through his work as a biographer, writer, translator and thinker. He would later found the Museo Picasso itself, making this is a particularly appropriate place to learn about him.

No one can call themselves a true fan of Picasso without understanding the decisive role Sabartés played in Picasso’s life. If this sounds like you, this exhibition is a must-see. It is as rare a chance to learn about Picasso’s assistant as it is a good one, because Sabartés’ life remains obscure and sparsely documented.

As Picasso exhibitions go, Sabartés by Picasso by Sabartés has more of an intellectual bent. This also makes it unusually educative. So don’t be put off by the absence of Guernica or The Three Dancers.

Perhaps Sabartés’ greatest service to Picasso was as his agent, helping to keep Picasso abreast with the artistic community and industry of his time, and its developments. But this exhibition also speaks to the men’s friendship, with Picasso painting portraits of Sabartés, a selection of which will be on display. These portraits capture some of Picasso’s great stylistic range, including both his signature warping effects and his more measured, postimpressionist-like efforts. Intriguingly, some of these portraits include written passages in “literary form”.

The exhibition will also feature portraits of Sabartés made by his other artistic friends in the Americas, including Carlos Valenti and Rodolfo Valladares. These are complemented by photographs of Sabartés taken by his photographer friends, such as Edward Quinn and David Douglas Duncan.

You can examine Sabartés written works on Picasso for yourself. All of these works are included in the exhibition, and include aids to help you understand their significance.

Lastly, the exhibition will illuminate Sabartés’ role in the creation of the Museo Picasso itself, and therefore in Picasso’s transformation into an institution and a Catalan figurehead. The museum's original name, in fact, was the Sabartés Collection.

Jonny Elling

Museu Picasso

Carrer Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona