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Picasso Museum
- Built on the site of the ancient Greek acropolis of Antipolis, the Picasso museum is located in a Roman castrum, once a residence
for bishops in the Middle Ages. It was subsequently inhabited by the Grimaldi family until 1608, who gave their name to the Château.
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In 1928, Château Grimaldi was bought by the town of Antibes and transformed into a Museum of Art, History and Archeology.
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By 1946, museum creator Dor de la Souchère suggested that Picasso, who was living in the nearby Golfe-Juan at that time, use
part of the Château as a studio. Picasso remained for several months at Château Grimaldi, producing many works of art.
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His unusual techniques and materials (boat paint, fibrocement and plaster) probably reflect the poverty of the years after the war and show
his remarkable propensity to experiment with new materials. The paintings he did express all the joy of a country free once more.
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The colours and tones of these pictures portray also the tenderness of woman who loves, faithful friendships and the translucent
light of this region. Fawns, centaurs and other mythical creatures express an Eden where woman garlanded in Flowers incarnates grace,
harmony and joy of life. The official inauguration in 1949 of Musee Picasso brought considerable donations. Following that donations of
ceramics, engravings and sculptures enriched the initial collection.
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The permanent exhibition on the terrace of Musee Picasso is a remarkable collection of sculptures by Germaine Richier featuring
human life with dramas and times of calm with characteristic meditteranean features. Among the others artists represented are Miro with
his imaginary personnages inspired by mythology. Bernard Pagès has constructed a column whose inspiration comes from the architecture and
materials of the chateau and Anne and Patrick Poirier who, like Picasso, use the theme of ancient mythology. On the top of the floor of the
museum, where Pablo Picasso's studio was, the works of Nicolas de Stael bear witness to his stay in Antibes (from September 1954 to March 1955).
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His tortured mind and loneliness took him from us. He created his paintings and drawings only a few dozen metres from where they are now
exhibited. His theme of the sea, seagulls and boats are images of his untiring quest to express his hopes and anguish.
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