Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

Considered one of the most illustrious painters of the 20th Century, Pablo Picasso was born in Spain but spent most of his life in France. Although he's generally associated with painting, he's undoubtedly one of the most polyvalent artists ever, equally producing scores of sculptures, collages, etc.

He painted his first canvases at the age of eight before being admitted to the School of Fine Arts of Barcelona, where he was treated as an authentic little prodigy. He explored many artistic trends and first gained fame by the sheer diversity of his creations.

He's recognized as one of the instigators of cubism, which he experimented with, most likely in 1907, by creating his celebrated canvas The Young Ladies of Avignon. He produced an imposing set of work, before finally passing away in 1973.