I stumbled across this Picasso online while browsing through some of the online digital image collections of Yale University. When I first saw it I wondered, “Really?…, a Picasso in a rare book and manuscript library instead of a gallery or private collection?”
It turns out that the actual physical painting and frame was permanently transferred to the university art gallery. It had originally been owned by Gertrude Stein, a poet, author, and friend of Picasso. It had been gifted to Yale, with other material, by Stein’s life partner, Alice B. Toklas.
Yale University Library permalink
Title: Cafe scene no. 1
Creator: Picasso, Pablo, 1881-1973
Published / Created: undated
Abstract: Framed painting.
Extent: 1 painting; 41 x 49 cm. (16.25 x 19.25 in.); oil
Collection Title: Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas papers
Collection/Other Creator: Stein, Gertrude, 1874-1946
Collection Date: 1837-1961
In August 2019, a number of important artworks in the Yale University Library Collection of American Literature were permanently transferred to the Yale University Art Gallery. (Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library)
Yale University Art Gallery permalink
Artist: Pablo Picasso, Spanish, active France, 1881–1973
Café Scene
1900
Oil on panel
10 × 13 1/4 in. (25.4 × 33.7 cm)
framed: 41.3 × 48.9 × 6.4 cm (16 1/4 × 19 1/4 × 2 1/2 in.)
Transfer from the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Gift of Alice B. Toklas to the Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas Papers, Yale Collection of American Literature
Geography: Made in France
Status: Not on view
Culture: Spanish
Period: 19th century
Classification: Paintings
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It is quite interesting where you find famous art work. For example we have several Picasso, Rembrandt, & other master artists hiding in a famous Gallery in the French Quarter. But the gallery is not an actual museum but a store. Also, the art is not visible for display but “hidden” in a secret speakeasy chamber behind the store where you have to know that it is there and ask for a tour of the amazing art.
By the way, it seems that Picasso was influenced by Edgar Degas because this piece reminds me of the tons of Cafe scenes Degas painted here in New Orleans or in France.
Interesting. I don’t know if I’ve actually ever seen a Picasso. Probably have, just not sure when or where. A former brother-in-law claimed to have one. I don’t remember what it looked like, but I would want to put money on any of his claims.
We have a pretty neat art museum here in Arkansas, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. We’ve visited it a couple of times. It’s just a few miles from where our daughter is planning to move (from California) so I am sure we will have plenty of opportunities to see it.
Thanks for commenting.