The famous quote “Good artists copy, great artists steal,” often attributed to Picasso, sparks debate about originality, inspiration, and plagiarism in art. Did Picasso actually say it, and if so, what did he mean? This exploration delves into the quote’s origins, its various interpretations, and how Picasso’s own work relates to the concept of artistic “theft.”
The Misinterpretation and Its Origins
The quote, often used out of context, suggests that great artists achieve success by outright plagiarism. This interpretation ignores the nuanced arguments about artistic influence that predate Picasso. The maxim likely originated in an 1892 article by W.H. Davenport Adams, who wrote, “great poets imitate and improve, whereas small ones steal and spoil.” T.S. Eliot later echoed this sentiment, stating, “Immature poets imitate; mature poets steal,” clarifying that “stealing” involves assimilating influences into something new and unique.
Picasso’s Perspective: “When There’s Anything to Steal, I Steal”
While the “good artists copy” quote’s attribution to Picasso remains uncertain, a more credible quote from him is, “When there’s anything to steal, I steal.” This suggests a more active engagement with existing artistic ideas, absorbing them and transforming them into something personal. Picasso’s early work shows clear influences from artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, Gauguin, and Van Gogh, as well as African art.
His groundbreaking Les Demoiselles d’Avignon demonstrates not direct copying but a deep integration of African aesthetics into his own developing style. This aligns with Eliot’s concept of “stealing” – not plagiarism, but a transformative process of assimilation.
Was Picasso a “Great Thief”? A Critical Examination
Despite his revolutionary contributions, Picasso remained rooted in traditional subjects and never fully embraced abstraction. While innovative within his chosen domain, his later work existed alongside major artistic movements like Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, seemingly unaffected by them. This raises questions about the scope of his artistic “theft” and whether he truly embodied the transformative ideal he seemingly espoused.
The Misinterpreted Quote in Contemporary Art: Koons and Hirst
The misinterpretation of the “good artists copy” quote fuels the defense of controversial contemporary artists like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, often accused of plagiarism. Koons’ Gazing Ball series, featuring reproductions of masterpieces adorned with a blue ball, and Hirst’s numerous works bearing striking resemblance to other artists’ creations, raise ethical questions about originality and appropriation. These cases highlight the difference between genuine artistic influence and blatant copying for commercial gain.
Picasso’s Legacy: Originality and the Future of Painting
Picasso’s final recorded words, “Painting remains to be invented,” suggest his belief in the ongoing evolution of the art form. While he may not have explicitly compared himself to other artists in the way the misattributed quote suggests, his work and words emphasize the importance of building upon existing traditions while forging new paths. True artistic “theft” involves not mere copying, but a deep engagement with influences, resulting in unique and original creations. This principle remains relevant for artists navigating the complex landscape of contemporary art. Originality, in Picasso’s view, is not about starting from scratch but about constantly reinventing and rediscovering the possibilities of artistic expression.
