Behind every great work lies an inspirational trigger, and in the case of Pablo Picasso, one of the most recognized artists in history, one of those triggers is Japanese hentai.

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain has opened a special exhibition of 19 erotic Japanese prints found in Picasso's private collection. The prints are thought to have influenced Picasso's work, and 27 of his pieces with the strongest connection to the prints will be displayed alongside.

Among the prints is a copy of Hokusai's famous Dream of the Fisherman's Wife, which influenced some more contemporary work like this amazing cover for the Wii videogame Muramasa.

Museum curator Malen Gual noted that the exhibit was the product of "real detective work," and that  Picasso was apparently most influenced by the "detailed depictions of genital organs during sex."

Quite appropriate then, that the exhibit's title is "Secret Images."

I encourage any Japanatorians living in the vicinity to visit, bringing back pictures for all the community to enjoy.

[AFP via Icarus Publishing]