Since the New York Times opened its complete archive on the web (previously it was only available as a web subscription), many people have been scouring the site for interesting history.

The first mention of Picasso comes on May 19, 1912, with this:

…it is to be regretted that this unquestionably talented artist, who is practically unknown to the British public, should now make his debut with a series of childish, not to say imbecile, scribbles that are of no interest either as independent works of art or steps toward achieving complete work….they are just fumbling, incompetent scribbles of no consequence whatsoever.

Remember that next time you get a bad review.

Read the 1912 story.

Get works by or about Pablo Picasso.

posted by Trout Monfalco