Pablo Picasso and Julio Gonzalez: The Power of Collaboration

A R T L▼R K

On the 27th of March 1942, Spanish sculptor and painter Julio Gonzalez died in Arcueil, France. He is mostly known for his abstract iron sculptures with strong cubist influences. Although involved in various artistic enterprises since early youth, first as a metalsmith and jeweller at his father’s workshop, then as a painter in Paris, he did not reach artistic maturity until the age of 52 when a chance collaboration with Pablo Picasso revealed his distinguished talent.

In 1928, Picasso was looking for an experienced welder to translate his lattice-like drawings into small three-dimensional sculptures constructed from iron wires. He had met Gonzalez some years back in Barcelona, and making plans for his new project, he thought instantly of him. Having gained experience in the decorative metal trade under his father, Gonzales accepted the offer, but he saw himself more as Picasso’s apprentice rather than an equal artist. However, sculpture for…

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