I think most of us already know the most famous facts about Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). He was a child prodigy when it came to painting, he created Guernica, and produced more than 20,000 artworks — including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, and drawings. Along with Georges Braque, he also co-founded Cubism.

Today, we’ll explore some lesser-known facts about Picasso and take a look at a few beautiful stamps inspired by his work.

His Full Name Was 23 Words Long

Pablo Picasso’s full name was astonishingly long — a total of 23 words! This followed a Spanish tradition where children are given names honoring saints and family members. His baptismal name was Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruíz y Picasso. Every part of it reflects a piece of his family’s faith and heritage.

USSR – 1973

Issued in the Soviet Union in 1973 (the year of Picasso’s death).

"It takes a long time to become young." - Pablo Picasso

He Was Once Accused of Stealing the Mona Lisa

In 1911, the world-famous Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in Paris. Surprisingly, Pablo Picasso was questioned by the police because of his connections to avant-garde artists. The investigation didn’t last long, and he was soon proven innocent. Still, it remains one of the most unusual episodes in his early career.

UN – 1971

UN-issue stamp showing Picasso’s painting Maia

"Every act of creation is first an act of destruction." - Pablo Picasso

He Was Also a Poet and Playwright

Between 1935 and 1959, Picasso also wrote poetry and plays — revealing another side of his creative genius. He produced more than 300 poems and several surrealist dramas filled with vivid and unusual imagery. Although his writing is far less known than his art, it shows just how endlessly imaginative he was. Few people realize that Picasso wasn’t only a painter — he was also a passionate writer.

India – 1982

India stamp reproducing Picasso’s painting Three Musicians

"Painting is just another way of keeping a diary." - Pablo Picasso

Cold of the Wolf

a hand puppet

unable to put up a fight

the hand goes crazy –

excuse me if i’m clumsy

remember the other months

a december that closed its mouth

cleverness (that’s what moves me)

we new ones are out in the cold

lint resembles snow to me

clinging to your eyelash why haven’t i

been able to see which of us is right

let’s repeat it before i forget

that people die in every season

watch the roses fade

He Never Learned to Drive

Despite all his fame and fortune, Picasso never learned to drive a car. He preferred having a chauffeur so he could spend the time thinking, sketching, or dreaming up new ideas. For him, every moment was an opportunity to create — even while on the move. Driving himself would have only gotten in the way of his imagination.

Burundi – 2011

A set of 4 stamps marking Picasso’s 130th birth anniversary

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." - Pablo Picasso

Today, we explored some beautiful Picasso-themed stamps from around the world. I hope you also learned a few lesser-known facts about Pablo Picasso along the way.

If you’d like to read more, feel free to check out the related articles below.

Continue Reading

Queen Elizabeth II on Stamps

Art of Vincent Van Gogh on Stamps

Art and Philately: Rembrandt – Top 10 Facts You Should Know