The sculpture Baboon and Young was created at La Galloise, the Picasso family’s retreat in Vallauris, and comes from a period full of childhood play. The unintended contribution of young Claude, through two of his toys, ultimately shaped this unique monkey’s head.
“A ‘stolen’ toy car from among Claude’s playthings ended up becoming a magnificent chimpanzee face,” recalls Paloma Picasso.
One day, quite spontaneously, Picasso picked up a toy car his son had left in the garden. That object inspired him and gave him the idea for the monkey’s face. Claude took it in good humor. Later, when Picasso needed another piece to complete the head, he took a second car. This annoyed Claude slightly, but he quickly got over it when he saw how his toys had become part of the artwork.
Pablo Picasso. "Baboon and Young. Vallauris, October 1951. Bronze. 53.2 × 33.2 × 61 cm. Private collection © Successió Pablo Picasso, VEGAP, Madrid, 2025
![Pablo Picasso. "Study for the sculpture Baboon and Young[Baboon-Cars]". 1950. Charcoal on paper. 27 ×21 cm. Private collection](/sites/default/files/inline-images/mona-i-fill-esbos.png)
Pablo Picasso. "Study for the sculpture Baboon and Young[Baboon-Cars]". 1950. Charcoal on paper. 27 ×21 cm. Private collection
«Dyna X» Panhard et Levassor, wind-up toy
This tender and amusing childhood anecdote shows how Pablo Picasso could find inspiration in the most ordinary, everyday and familiar objects.
Baboon and Young is on display until 26 October in the museum galleries, as part of the exhibition Growing Up Between Two Artists: A Tribute to Claude Picasso.
Bibliography
Paloma Picasso, Emmanuel Guigon, Christine Pinault (2025). Growing up betweeen Two Artists. A Tribute to Claude Picasso | Créixer entre dos artistes. Homenatge a Claude Picasso. Fundació Museu Picasso de Barcelona
