The Right Hand of Picasso 1943

This black and white photograph, taken by Brassai, captures the right hand of Pablo Picasso. It's more than just a portrait; it's an exploration of the artist's primary tool, imbued with a sense of the subject’s creative power. Made in France, this image encapsulates the cultural reverence for the artist in the 20th century. By focusing on the hand, Brassai elevates a part of the body to the status of a cultural artifact. This choice also hints at the social conditions that enable artistic production, where individual skill and labour are celebrated. Picasso, an icon in the art world, symbolizes the shift towards art stardom and its subsequent impact on cultural values. To fully understand the image, we can research into the archives of artists' relationships in Paris during this time and the cult of personality that surrounds famous artists. Only then can we appreciate how it reflects the values and historical context of its time.