Museo Casa Natal Picasso Acquires Historic Painting by Pablo Picasso’s Father in Málaga
The Museo Casa Natal Picasso, located in Málaga, has expanded its permanent collection with the acquisition of Dos palomas en un palomar ("Two Doves in a Dovecote"). Painted by José Ruiz Blasco, the father and first art teacher of Pablo Picasso, this oil painting represents a significant addition to the municipal archives. It is the first piece of work by Ruiz Blasco to be acquired by the institution since the addition of Palomar in 1878.
The acquisition strengthens the museum’s collection of works tied to Picasso’s immediate family and early childhood, offering visitors a deeper look into the domestic and artistic environment that shaped the legendary artist during his formative years in Andalusia.
Discovering "Dos palomas en un palomar" on Your Next Málaga Museum Visit
The newly acquired painting will be integrated into the museum’s permanent exhibition, where it will hang alongside Palomar. Measuring 37 by 53 centimeters, this oil-on-canvas work depicts two doves in the foreground of a dovecote. The composition is notable for its realistic style, utilizing a naturalistic palette of earthy, grey, and white tones. You can view the newly acquired artwork to appreciate its detailed textures.
The piece comes from a family inheritance and already has a documented history with the birthplace museum. It was previously featured in a temporary exhibition dedicated to José Ruiz Blasco held at the museum from October 2004 to January 2005, and it was cataloged in a 2007 publication about the artist's life and work published by the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Foundation and the Málaga City Council.
The Artistic Influence of Picasso's First Teacher
José Ruiz Blasco played a foundational role in his son’s creative development. As a painter and academic drawing professor, he taught in Málaga, A Coruña, and Barcelona, introducing the young Picasso to the formal techniques of drawing and painting.
Ruiz Blasco was particularly known for his depictions of birds, flowers, and still life scenes. Picasso often recalled his father’s artistic specialization, noting that his father painted dining room pictures featuring pigeons, partridges, hares, and lilacs. The theme of the dove was passed directly from father to son; Picasso painted these birds throughout his own career, eventually creating the famous 1949 lithograph of a dove that became the international symbol for peace.
For travelers and art lovers exploring Andalusia, discovering these family connections firsthand provides a unique context to Picasso's global legacy. When planning your journey through the city, Musemap (musemap.art) can help you find key historic locations. You can use the Málaga map view to locate the birthplace museum on Plaza de la Merced, or browse other Málaga museums to discover more of the region's rich artistic history.
