A Life of Picasso Volume I

Oct 5, 2024 10:26 PM

Author:John Richardson

From 1950 to 1962, John Richardson lived near Picasso in France and was a friend of the artist. With a view to writing a biography, the acclaimed art historian kept a diary of their meetings. After Picasso's death, his widow Jacqueline collaborated in the preparation of this work, giving Richardson access to Picasso's studio and papers.

Volume one of this extraordinary biography establishes the complexity of Picasso's Spanish roots; his aversion to his native Malaga and his passion for Barcelona and Catalan "modernisme". Richardson introduces new material on the artist's early training in religious art; re-examines old legends to provide fresh insights into the artistic failures of Picasso's father as an impetus to his sons's triumphs; and includes portraits of Apollinaire, Max Jacob and Gertrude Stein, who made up "The Picasso Gang" in Paris during the "Blue" and "Rose" periods.

Reviews

Richardson, it hardly needs repeating, is steeped in Picasso and his life (his own friendship with Picasso is the tacit bedrock of this biography) but the arguments he makes are always precise and cogent, never blithely assertive.

—— William Boyd , The Spectator

Strathern sketches out fascinating aspects of the social life of Venice... Vivid.

—— BBC History Magazine

Colourful.

—— Sunday Times

The rise and fall of La Serenissima is vividly depicted.

—— Christopher Hirst , Independent

Perfect holiday companion

—— The Lady

A fun record of how humans have observed, recorded and interpreted the world around them, throughout the ages

—— Time Out

At first glance, the book is a slightly strange collection, but it's not until you read David Shrigley's introduction and understand the wider narrative that the penny drops...It's a book to return to.

—— Aesthetica Magazine

The Redstone Book of the Eye is a compendium of fascinating imagery that celebrates the act (and art) of seeing...

—— Creative Review

This quirky collection of arresting images is bound to be a winner with readers who love squinting at those mind-boggling magic eye puzzles...to satisfy event the most curious mind.

—— Image Magazine

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