Would Adolf Hitler Have Become a Picasso If He Focused on Art?

The career and artistic journey of the Austrian painter Adolf Hitler, as well as the renowned Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, offer us a fascinating comparison. While Picasso is often remembered as an abrasive and misogynistic figure, when it comes to his contributions to the world of art, he stands as a towering icon of modernism. The question at hand is, if Hitler had chosen to stay away from politics and instead devoted his life to art, could he have found a similar success as Picasso?

The Path of Picasso and Hitler

Pablo Picasso, a key figure in the development of modern art, is closely associated with various movements within abstract art. Over the latter half of the 19th century, art evolved deeply into abstraction due to the rise of photography, which took over the representational role traditionally held by art.

When we reflect on Picasso, we tend to focus on works like his 1950s pieces, which showcase his maturity and skill. These later works are a testament to the enduring impact of his earlier realist and impressionist periods. Picasso's works from 1897, when he was 16, are firmly rooted in a realistic style, yet they also demonstrate a keen understanding of the artistic developments that were emerging around him, such as impressionism.

Adolf Hitler, on the other hand, was just 8 years old when Picasso began his journey as an artist. In his 30s, Hitler's drawings lacked the technical skill seen in Picasso's formative years. While Picasso exhibited a baseline level of talent, he continually challenged himself and his art, something Hitler was not capable of. Hitler's dabbling in architecture, albeit banal, was far from the rigorous self-criticism and dedication to artistic innovation that Picasso embodied.

Artistic Dedication and Character

The true distinction between Picasso and Hitler lies in their approach to art and dedication to their craft. Picasso was ceaselessly self-critical and continually pushed himself to improve, even when faced with the constraints of formal art pedagogy. Hitler, in contrast, was minimally creative and his efforts were characterized by a lack of genuine artistic pursuit.

Despite his superficial character flaws, Picasso's dedication to his art has made him one of the most revered artists in history. His work continues to inspire and awe audiences worldwide. Hitler, on the other hand, is remembered with abject abhorrence, primarily due to his political influence and actions rather than any significant artistic contributions.

The Impact of Abandoning Abstract Art

One of the critical factors in Picasso's persistence in art was his willingness to not abandon abstract art despite its controversial nature. Picasso viewed abstract art as a necessary exploration of modern expression, even if it was initially labeled as “degenerate.” Hitler, however, rejected abstract art due to his erroneous belief that it was degenerate, which ultimately constrained his potential artistic development.

The belief that art should mirror reality was a significant barrier for Hitler, whereas Picasso understood the value of imagination and abstraction. His embrace of abstract concepts not only enriched his art but also placed him at the forefront of the modern art movement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is highly unlikely that Adolf Hitler, without a genuine artistic dedication and technical skill, would have found the same level of success as Picasso. Picasso's artistic journey, marked by continuous self-improvement and a deep respect for abstract forms, set him apart from political leaders like Hitler. His legacy, shaped by his commitment to art, is a stark contrast to Hitler's controversial and destructive legacy.

The story of Picasso and Hitler underscores the importance of artistic perseverance, self-critique, and the courage to embrace new artistic expressions rather than demonizing them.