Artists are known for having muses, people who inspire them to create amazing art, design, or fashion. The world-renowned painter Picasso was no exception who had multiple muses during his lifetime. One of them was not even human, it was a small dachshund named Lump.
Lump was born in Germany where his first owner came to be the American photographer David Douglas Duncan. He did not get along well with Duncan's other dog, an Afghan Hound named Kublai Khan, and was treated more like a toy than a friend.
Picasso and Lump met for the first time in Picasso's hillside mansion in Cannes when Duncan was visiting for lunch. Picasso asked the photographer if Lump had a plate of his own, and when finding out that he didn’t he painted the pictured portrait directly on his own plate.
Lump immediately felt at home in Picasso's house and it was love at first sight between the two. The dachshund moved in immediately and lived there for the next six years. He became Picasso's favorite, who owned many dogs through the years but Lump was the only one he took in his arms. He once said, ”Lump, he’s not a dog, he’s not a little man, he’s somebody else.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Picasso's muse that was not human?
Picasso's non-human muse was a small dachshund named Lump.
2. How did Lump come to be with Picasso?
Lump was originally owned by American photographer David Douglas Duncan. Lump met Picasso when Duncan visited Picasso's hillside mansion in Cannes for lunch. After feeling an immediate connection with Picasso, Lump moved in and lived with him for the next six years.
3. How did Picasso show his affection for Lump?
Picasso showed his affection for Lump by painting a portrait of the dachshund directly on his own plate during their first meeting. Picasso also considered Lump very special and often took him in his arms, which he did not do with his other dogs.
4. Did Picasso have other pets?
Yes, Picasso owned many dogs throughout his life, but Lump was the only one he referred to with such unique affection, saying, "Lump, he’s not a dog, he’s not a little man, he’s somebody else."
5. Why did Lump leave his original owner, David Douglas Duncan?
Lump did not get along well with Duncan's other dog, an Afghan Hound named Kublai Khan, and was treated more like a toy than a friend, which led to his relocation to Picasso's home.
6. How long did Lump live with Picasso?
Lump lived with Picasso for six years, becoming an integral part of his life and artistic inspiration.
7. What impact did Lump have on Picasso’s art?
Lump inspired Picasso and became his favorite dog, influencing the affection and care Picasso showed in his daily life. The bond between them also became a unique part of Picasso's personal narrative.
8. How did Picasso describe Lump?
Picasso described Lump in an extraordinary way, saying, "Lump, he’s not a dog, he’s not a little man, he’s somebody else," highlighting the deep connection and unique bond they shared.
9. What was the significance of the plate Picasso painted for Lump?
The plate Picasso painted for Lump symbolized the artist's immediate acceptance and affection for the dog. It marked the beginning of their close relationship and Lump’s place in Picasso’s home and heart.
10. How did Lump’s story become known to the public?
Lump’s story became known through the accounts of David Douglas Duncan, who was both Lump’s first owner and a close friend of Picasso, documenting their unique bond and Lump’s life with the artist.