The long-awaited third volume of John Richardson’s definitive biography of Pablo Picasso combines the critical astuteness, exhaustive researc...
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reviews
Feb 05, 2009
John Richardson was introduced to Picasso in the 1950s, and that firsthand knowledge of the man and his work buttresses the third volume of this monumental study. Richardson exhibits not only a stunning grasp of the artist's profession, including the iconography, languages, and influences, but also an understanding of how Picasso's private life informed his art. The result is a rare balance of first-rate art criticism and a primer on the energy and chaos that define the modern. Michael Dirda com
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Oct 12, 2010
Style after style, after style, after style- original b-boy.
When it comes to style masters of the time- and as someone who always votes for the innovator rather than the person seeking the limelight- I'm more of a Matisse fan, but that's more about his thinking than his art(always had Picasso in awe and chasing). On the other hand, Picasso's Guitar has always been among my all-time favorite sculptures. And the thought of each women he had in his life changing his art is certainly one More...
When it comes to style masters of the time- and as someone who always votes for the innovator rather than the person seeking the limelight- I'm more of a Matisse fan, but that's more about his thinking than his art(always had Picasso in awe and chasing). On the other hand, Picasso's Guitar has always been among my all-time favorite sculptures. And the thought of each women he had in his life changing his art is certainly one More...
Oct 25, 2009
James
rated it: 
This is rich, grand biography. It's the 3d volume of Richardson's monumental biography of the iconic artist. As well as being satisfyingly detailed about Picasso himself, Richardson, in relating the course of the life, has to necessarily explain those around Picasso and the events linking them. So it all becomes a big, glorious telling. But Richardson isn't all surface narrative. This is critical biography by an incisive art expert and analyst. More, as a friend of Picasso's his understand
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Jul 19, 2009
Rick
rated it: 
From the end of World War I and Picasso’s continued exploration of cubism, his engagement with Diaghilev and other pioneers of modernism in dance and theatre, his marriage of the modern with the classical, and his revolutionary work as a sculptor, volume three of Richardson’s comprehenisve biography of Picasso is as rewarding as each of the first two volumes. There is also Picasso’s marriage to Olga Khokhlova, his legal battles with dealers who lost control of their stock of Picasso’s work becau
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Feb 20, 2008
Chrissy
rated it:
This book is so well researched that Richardson could have made it boring and too heavy, but luckily he is an excellent writer/art historian who perfectly weaves hilarious stories in with expert analysis and new approaches to (in)famous works by Picasso. The stories and letters feature Picasso dueling with the surrealists and Appollinaire's "supporters" and dealing with his beau monde wife Olga gallavanting along with famous others like Stravinsky and Coco Chanel. The paintings and sc
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May 05, 2011
I've just begun to read, in advance of a visit to VMFA's Picasso exhibit.
Among other things, it totally explains the plot of Baz Luhrman's "Moulin Rouge", by fleshing out the relations between artistic troupes and European aristocracy. (Picasso was commissioned to design costumes and backgrounds for several ballets)
Among other things, it totally explains the plot of Baz Luhrman's "Moulin Rouge", by fleshing out the relations between artistic troupes and European aristocracy. (Picasso was commissioned to design costumes and backgrounds for several ballets)
Jul 11, 2009
Alan
rated it: 
This is Volume 3. Volume 1 was fabulous, Vol. 2 was really interesting, volume 3 is a bit of a slog, but I am determined(and vol. 4 is ocming out next year). Full of great gossip and links between his life(especially his amazing sex life- you woudl think he was in Congress) and the art. OK Elaine?
Mar 01, 2011
j.c.
rated it:
Absolutely brilliant. I'll read the other volumes as soon as they hit eBook. Like all good history and biography this book reads like literature.
Feb 18, 2011
Not sure if I will ever finish this book. I've been reading it for the past year....
Feb 05, 2009
Bill
rated it:
This is the third book in the seminal biography of Pablo Picasso, written by John Richardson.
I think most people feel that the most exciting book is the first: The early years 1881-1906. The Cubist period is the second book. This book covers Picasso as an international star, theater painter, and friend of a lot of famous people.
I am really curious about the next book, which I think will cover a more interesting period. WW2 + I hope the Dora Maar paintings.
I think most people feel that the most exciting book is the first: The early years 1881-1906. The Cubist period is the second book. This book covers Picasso as an international star, theater painter, and friend of a lot of famous people.
I am really curious about the next book, which I think will cover a more interesting period. WW2 + I hope the Dora Maar paintings.
May 28, 2008
Dickson
rated it:
This is the last of the three volumes by Richardson; they kept me busy for awhile. I think that the first volume is the best of the three. The third volume gets to be just too much information about all the people in Picasso's life--a lot of people who were either hanger-ons or society bores--or both.
Jan 08, 2008
Amedeo
rated it:
A great read of a truly amazing life with much insight into the work. It may be a cliche to say so, but it really does capture the flavor of the milieu and many other fascinating people are encountered. Very sorry to see this book come to an end.
Nov 19, 2008
Zephyr
rated it:
Good bio by an admiring author that does not convey the impression that the painter had much depth or interest as a personality. May be the biographer's fault or the painter's.
Feb 28, 2008
Lost In A Fog
rated it:
Is that not the greatest photo on the cover? How many more volumes of this? At least one more...
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