Science and Charity was a Salon painting, that is, one intended for institutional exhibitions organized either by groups of artists or by public bodies. It was awarded a special distinction at the Barcelona General Exhibition of Fine Art, and a gold medal at the Provincial Exhibition in Málaga. The influence of Picasso’s father is evident. It was he who probably inspired the subject and served as model for the doctor. The young artist had fulfilled his father’s dream. His talent, detected early on by his father, was beginning to gain recognition, and Don José readily exploited his own personal contacts to this end. Science and Charity shows that Pablo has mastered the rules of academicism.
