Sylvette is a large concrete sculpture by Pablo Picasso and Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar, set beside a canal on Westersingel in Rotterdam’s Museum quarter. Made in 1970, it depicts Sylvette David, Picasso’s model and muse. The work brings Picasso’s distinctive approach to a public setting, where you can walk around it and look closely at its sculpted forms. It is also an easy stop to combine with a look at Rotterdam’s modern architecture; the sculpture is not far from Centraal Station.
A portrait in concrete
Sylvette depicts Sylvette David, the model and muse who inspired Picasso. The sculpture dates to 1970 and was designed by Picasso with Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar. Made of sandblasted concrete, it weighs about 46,000 kilos.
The City of Rotterdam acquired the work after a seven-year deal. It stands on Westersingel, close to the Museum quarter and not far from Centraal Station.
Take a closer look
The sculpture is in a public setting beside a canal, so you can view it without entering a museum. Walk around it to examine the forms from different angles, then continue through the area to see other examples of Rotterdam’s modern architecture.
FAQ
Where is Sylvette in Rotterdam?
The sculpture is at Westersingel 83, beside a canal in the Museum quarter. It is not far from Centraal Station.
Who made Sylvette?
Pablo Picasso designed the sculpture with Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar.
What does the sculpture depict?
It depicts Sylvette David, Picasso’s model and muse.
When was Sylvette made?
The concrete sculpture dates to 1970.
