Advertisement for tavern "Four cats" 1897

This is Pablo Picasso’s advertisement for the Barcelona tavern "Four Cats," or "Quatre Gats." It’s important to remember that Picasso, a Spaniard, created this image at a time when Barcelona was seeing a resurgence of Catalan identity, culture, and art. The print is divided in two. On the left, a portrait of tavern owner Pere Romeu. On the right, an illustration of the tavern, where stylish patrons sit. The artist has signed his name below the image. This work reflects the Modernista movement's themes, combining art with everyday life. The tavern "Four Cats" became a hub for artists and intellectuals who were eager to engage with modern trends. In many ways it represented a conscious effort to align themselves with European artistic movements, while remaining rooted in their Catalan identity. The tavern embodied the spirit of a community that sought to challenge traditional norms and foster a sense of belonging through art and conversation.