The Fabulous Life of Diego Rivera

by Bertram D. Wolfe

Known for his grand public murals, Diego Rivera (1886-1957) is one of Mexico's most revered artists. His paintings are marked by a unique fusion of European sophistication, revolutionary political turmoil, and the heritage and personality of his native country.

Based on extensive interviews with the artist, his four wives (including Frida Kahlo), and his friends, colleagues, and opponents, The Fabulous Life of Diego Rivera captures Rivera's complex personality―-sometimes delightful, frequently infuriating and always fascinating―-as well as his development into one of the twentieth century's greatest artist.

Genres: Biography, Art, Art History, Nonfiction, History

576 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Stowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guy is a word wizard. Rarely do you find language used as it is here. It is a thing of beauty to read words strung together in such a way. An interesting story for certain, but as a artifact of great writing, it is among the top I have ever read. Only equaled by the dialog of the character of The Judge in Cormac McCarthy's novel, Blood Meridian.

[Jeaninne Escallier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think I've read everything on the lives of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, my life muses, I dusted off this delight from my 'to read' book shelf. Bertram Wolfe was a relic from the past- a scholar, a writer, a teacher, a journalist, an art critic, a gentleman, an American communist, and close friend to Diego Rivera. He presents the unfolding of Diego's life like one would take out a precious jewel from a safe- lovingly and carefully so that the light catches the breath-taking colors of light refraction. As a personal friend, Mr. Wolfe, was able to include intimate moments of his time spent with the Riveras, which were just as fabulous as the history of the massive murals Diego painted over half the world. I enjoyed savoring each word used to describe a man who, in reality, defied description. Diego became a cultural icon not from just his art, but from his larger than life personality that was formed way ahead of his time in early 20th century Mexico. Enjoying Diego's art is only half the journey. Read this book to learn about the man behind his art, and why his art was so extraordinary. This is one for your permanent library.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

What strikes the reader is how well this biography has maintained its accuracy and importance long after both subject and author have passed. While the friendship between Wolfe and Rivera impacts the writing it does not do so the the detriment of fact. Wolfe gives voice to Rivera and the many lives he impacted and who impacted him.

The majority of people who know even a bit about Rivera will automatically link him to Frida Kahlo and see his art only from the perspective of when her career commenced. While this gives perspective of both a prolific and the most mature point of his career, it overlooks his own development as an artist. His association with Picasso and his evolution from realism to cubism into the socialist realism of his murals is a story in its own right independent of the influence he and Kahlo had on each other.

While other reviews have taken umbrage with the quality of the photography in the book, this is a minor issue that can be corrected through the reading of books meant to more fully show the art, such as Diego Rivera: A Retrospective by the Founders Society Detroit Institute of Art.

Definitely recommended.

[Pat Lawlor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is less interesting than you would suspect, but I can't figure out why. The author personally knew Rivera, and includes many anecdotes, but very little insight. He does plow through all the famous works Rivera completed in his lifetime. Basically, I ended up skimming the book out of boredom

[Jamie Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies I have read; written by an author who knew Rivera personally, and perhaps understood him better than most. A deep look into the life, by analyzing his art.

[Ivette Alardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aprendí muchísimo, muy entrenido.

[Nyx Punczi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly the author startet to force his own narrative and ideology at the end about Diego and his art and started to discredited all his later works and said he isn’t even a communist. Good book ending kind a sucked, I mean the final words of the author