Located in Daley Plaza, The Chicago Picasso was dedicated to the city in 1967. Although it is technically untitled, the sculpture is commonly referred to as The Chicago Picasso or simply The Picasso. Pablo Picasso designed the sculpture at the age of 85. He had been approached by William E. Hartmann, a representative of the Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill law firm, and the firm had taken a role in the development of the then-new Civic Center. Mr. Hartmann gave Picasso several incentives, including a White Sox Blazer, a Sioux war bonnet, and $100,000, to create the sculpture.

1. History of The Chicago
Picasso Sculpture
By Courtney Leddell

2. The Chicago Picasso Sculpture
Located in Daley Plaza, The Chicago Picasso was
dedicated to the city in 1967. Although it is technically
untitled, the sculpture is commonly referred to as
The Chicago Picasso or simply The Picasso. Pablo
Picasso designed the sculpture at the age of 85. He had
been approached by William E. Hartmann, a
representative of the Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill law
firm, and the firm had taken a role in the development
of the then-new Civic Center. Mr. Hartmann gave
Picasso several incentives, including a White Sox Blazer,
a Sioux war bonnet, and $100,000, to create the
sculpture.

3. The Chicago Picasso Sculpture
Although The Picasso sculpture has become an
icon of the city, it didn’t meet with an entirely
enthusiastic response upon its unveiling. In fact,
Colonel Jack Reilly, the Director of Special
Events to Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley,
immediately advocated its removal.
Nevertheless, The Picasso sculpture has stood in
downtown Chicago for more than 40 years, and
it is recognized as the first monumental outdoor
sculpture by Picasso erected in North America.

4. About the Author
Courtney Leddell holds the title of Vice
President of Consulting Anesthesiology, and he
has a great appreciation for the artwork of Pablo
Picasso, as well as those of Impressionist
painters.