Pablo Picasso (Spanish, Malaga 1881–1973 Mougins, France), Self-Portrait with Wig, ca. 1898–1900. Oil on canvas, 21 15/16 × 18 1/16 in. (55.8 × 45.8 cm). Museu Picasso, Barcelona, MPB 110.053 © 2016 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / Image Museu Picasso, Barcelona

Picasso’s familiarity with the conventions of the old masters is evident in this work, which he likely made as a teenager while living in Madrid and Barcelona. He began with a traditional self-portrait—the outline of his hair is still visible—but then decided to present himself in costume and an anachronistic powdered wig, possibly a harbinger of the masquerade scenes and harlequins that would surface in his work in years to come. Here, the extensive use of black was due in part to Picasso’s deliberate attempt to cover an even earlier composition, a common practice for artists with limited financial resources. The canvas stayed in the artist’s possession until 1970, when he donated it to the Museu Picasso in Barcelona.

This work is exhibited in the "Unfinished: Thoughts Left Invisible" exhibition, on view through September 4th, 2016. #MetBreuer