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Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec: A Madrid Exhibition Explores Their Artistic Dialogue

exhibition · 2026-05-05

The Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid presents "Picasso / Lautrec," the first exhibition to directly compare the two artists, who never met. Curated by Francisco Calvo Serraller, the show argues that Toulouse-Lautrec's influence on Picasso extended beyond the latter's youth into his mature work. Featuring around 100 works from public and private collections worldwide, the exhibition traces thematic parallels: drawing and caricature, self-portraits, bohemian nightlife, circus scenes, and depictions of prostitutes. A key difference emerges in their treatment of marginalized subjects: Toulouse-Lautrec's empathetic gaze contrasts with Picasso's more detached, often aggressive eroticism. The show includes a rare tapestry version of Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon." It also highlights Toulouse-Lautrec's lesser-known oil paintings, such as melancholic portraits of a red-haired girl. The exhibition runs until January 21, 2018.

Key facts

  • Exhibition titled 'Picasso / Lautrec' at Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid.
  • First exhibition to directly compare Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Pablo Picasso.
  • Curated by Francisco Calvo Serraller, professor at Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
  • Features around 100 works from public and private collections worldwide.
  • Argues Toulouse-Lautrec's influence on Picasso extended beyond his youth.
  • Highlights thematic parallels: caricature, bohemian life, circus, prostitutes.
  • Notes difference in empathy: Toulouse-Lautrec's pity vs. Picasso's aggressive eroticism.
  • Includes a rare tapestry version of Picasso's 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon'.
  • Runs until January 21, 2018.
  • Toulouse-Lautrec died in 1901; Picasso visited Paris shortly before his death.

Entities

Artists

  • Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
  • Pablo Picasso
  • El Greco
  • Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres
  • Edgar Degas

Institutions

  • Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
  • Universidad Complutense de Madrid
  • The Samuel Courtauld Gallery

Locations

  • Madrid
  • Spain
  • Paris
  • France
  • Barcelona
  • Paseo del Prado 8

Sources