Matisse and Picasso: The Story of their Rivalry and Friendship

by Jack Flam

Matisse and Picasso achieved extraordinary prominence during their lifetimes. They have become cultural icons, standing not only for different kinds of art but also for different ways of living. Matisse, known for his restraint and intense sense of privacy, for his decorum and discretion, created an art that transcended daily life and conveyed a sensuality that inhabited an abstract and ethereal realm of being. In contrast, Picasso became the exemplar of intense emotionality, of theatricality, of art as a kind of autobiographical confession that was often charged with violence and explosive eroticism. In Matisse and Picasso , Jack Flam explores the compelling, competitive, parallel lives of these two artists and their very different attitudes toward the idea of artistic greatness, toward the women they loved, and ultimately toward their confrontations with death.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, World History, Reference, Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always interested about this friendship/rivalry but this book is more an art history lesson of the two great painters than new insights into their relationship. Nothing wrong with art history but I knew most of what he wrote here. Also I'm always interested why Picasso was left alone by the Nazis in Paris? I've read brief and conflicting snippets and inconclusive, conflicting summaries but I still wonder.

[AC]

I admit to finding this book rather dull, and to having trouble wanting to open it. The art criticism is not nearly as deep as I’d like, but neither are the anecdote sufficiently interesting. I’m going to drop it and move on

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and well-documented info on these two allies/opponents. Writing was refreshing and good storytelling amidst the art history. Loved hearing how the Steins, Gertrude/her brother and family, looked to the Parisians:-) Those sandals!