Between 1920 and 1924 Picasso reverted to a neoclassical style in his paintings and outline etchings, which were inspired by images from Greek mythology, and also his marriage to the ballerina, Olga Koklova. The great Spanish painter constantly challenged the limits of his style expanding his artistic range by working in a variety of mediums, including the set design of a number of ballets.

Following Cubism, artisits were unable to view the world in the same way and by the early 1920s many varying forms of abstract art were on display across Europe. The attrocities of the First World War encouraged the growth in popularity of the abstract Dada movement led by Tristan Tzara, with their critique of bourgeois society. The automatic surrealists, like Andre Breton had an enthusiasm for ugliness, scandal and chaos that echoed and connected with Picasso's own unique style.

Picasso's appreciation of contemporary developments in Surrealist painting, particularly the work of André Masson and Joan Miró, are reflected in the curved, organic shapes and saturated hues of Mandolin and Guitar (1924). The rolling lines, decorative patterns, and broad chromatic elements contained in the work at this time anticipate the emergence of a fully evolved sensual, biomorphic style in Picasso's art, celebrating the arrival of his new muse, and mistress Marie-Thérèse Walter.

Picasso's quasi-surrealist period is often referred to as his Period of Metamorphosis lasting for approximately 10 years, until the mid 1930s. During this time Picasso is considered to be one of the dominant figures leading surrealism into a new and more imaginative phase.

See Also:-

Picasso Formative Years
Picasso Blue Period
Picasso Rose Period
Picasso Cubism
Picasso Later Years
Picasso Art Store
Picasso Chronology 1889-1900
Picasso Chronology 1901-1910
Picasso Chronology 1911-1920
Picasso Chronology 1921-1930
Picasso Chronology 1931-1940
Picasso Chronology 1941-1950
Picasso Chronology 1951-1960
Picasso Chronology 1961-1970
Picasso Chronology 1971-1973