In a remarkable discovery, art conservators at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London have uncovered a hidden painting of a mysterious woman beneath one of Pablo Picasso’s earliest works from his Blue Period. The painting, Portrait of Mateu Fernández de Soto, was created in 1901 when Picasso was just 19 years old. Using advanced x-ray and infrared imaging, experts revealed the previously unknown artwork, which has sparked fascination and speculation about the identity of the woman and the circumstances surrounding its creation. The discovery not only sheds light on the artistic evolution of a young Picasso but also offers a glimpse into the emotional and creative journey that defined this pivotal period in his life.
The Portrait of Mateu Fernández de Soto itself is a significant work, capturing the likeness of Picasso’s Spanish sculptor friend, Mateu, who shared a Parisian apartment with Picasso at the time. The painting is notable for showcasing the artist’s transition from the vibrant, Impressionist-style works of his youth to the somber, introspective tones of his Blue Period. This shift was deeply influenced by the tragic death of Picasso’s close friend, Carles Casagemas, who took his own life earlier in 1901. The loss of Casagemas had a profound impact on Picasso, leading to a period of intense melancholy and introspection that became the hallmark of his Blue Period. The painting also contains a subtle yet poignant reference to Casagemas—a memorial depiction of his burial, visible in the background.
Beneath this portrait, however, lies a second, hidden painting that has fascinated art historians and conservators. The x-ray and infrared scans revealed a seated woman with a distinctive chignon hairstyle, fashionable in Paris at the time. Her head, shoulders, and fingers are clearly visible, suggesting a level of detail that indicates this was no mere sketch. Art experts have noted similarities between this hidden figure and several of Picasso’s other works from the same year, such as Absinthe Drinker and Woman with Crossed Arms. Some speculate that the painting may have originated in an Impressionistic style, as seen in Picasso’s earlier work Waiting, before being transformed into the more somber tones of his Blue Period. The discovery also suggests that Picasso may have started multiple works on the same canvas, a practice that was not uncommon for him due to financial constraints. He often reused canvases, layering new paintings over older ones, a testament to his resourcefulness and artistic experimentation.
The discovery of the hidden woman has reignited discussions about Picasso’s working methods and his frequent reuse of canvases. The artist, often strapped for cash, would regularly paint over previous works rather than discard them. This practice, while born out of necessity, also reflects his restless creativity and willingness to transform and evolve his art. The Courtauld Institute’s deputy head of the gallery, Barnaby Wright, noted that this process of layering images was a defining feature of Picasso’s artistic development, one that would go on to make him one of the most influential figures in modern art history. The hidden painting, therefore, is not just an intriguing anomaly but a window into the artistic process of a young Picasso navigating his craft and his emotions.
This is not the first time a hidden image has been discovered beneath one of Picasso’s paintings. In recent years, conservators have uncovered several such works, revealing a pattern of artistic layering that was characteristic of his approach. For instance, in 2023, a small dog was found hidden beneath the surface of Le Moulin de la Galette at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Similarly, in 2020, a secret sketch of a pitcher, cup, and newspaper was discovered on the back of a canvas used for his 1922 piece Still Life. These discoveries highlight the complexity and depth of Picasso’s artistic practice, as well as the importance of advanced imaging techniques in uncovering the hidden histories of his works.
The discovery of the mystery woman and the layered artistic history of Portrait of Mateu Fernández de Soto underscores the enduring fascination with Picasso’s life and work. His ability to create art that was both deeply personal and universally resonant has cemented his status as one of the giants of art history. As The Courtauld Institute’s exhibition opens, offering the public a chance to see this painting in a new light, it is clear that there is still much to learn from the hidden stories beneath the surface of Picasso’s work. The portrait, now revealed in all its complexity, is a testament to the artistic and emotional journey of a young man grappling with loss, creativity, and the evolution of his craft. It is a powerful reminder that even in the most familiar works of art, there may still be secrets waiting to be uncovered.
