Undoubtedly one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso’s long and industrious life gifted the world with countless works of art.

As a painter, printmaker, sculptor, ceramicist, designer and writer, Picasso’s creativity knew no bounds. His career was defined by an uncontainable urge to express the human experience, from the somber state of paintings created during his Blue Period to the relentless experimental energy of ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’ – a work that was instrumental in the development of Cubism and modern art.

Born in 1881 in Malaga, Picasso later moved to Barcelona, a city that he considered his spiritual home. Due to his talents, he was accepted into Barcelona’s School of Fine Arts aged just 13. He also spend time studying in Madrid, and later moved to Paris where his work became recognised by collectors and critics. Here he met Henri Matisse, a lifelong friend and rival who, alongside Picasso, would become renowned as a leader in the modern art movement.

In 1907, Picasso broke away from the traditions of naturalistic painting to focus on a more innovative style. From African-influenced paintings and the invention of Cubism with his friend Georges Braque through to his famous surreal anti-war masterpiece ‘Guernica’, Picasso amassed fame and fortune through the 20th century. He never stopped creating art until his death in 1973.

These photographs show the great Picasso in his home studio, surrounded by canvases as he creates genre-defining artworks be analysed and admired for generations.