Picasso: Life and Art

by DAIX PIERRE & EMMET

Cette biographie de Picasso est sans doute la plus aboutie et la plus complète qu'on puisse lire. Par sa connaissance approfondie de l'homme et de l'oeuvre, Pierre Daix tisse ensemble des fils qui restaient jusque-là épars. À partir des archives du peintre, il enrichit la connaissance du Picasso intime : révélations sur son enfance et découvertes insolites, comme cette demande de naturalisation française déposée par l'artiste en avril 1940...Il souligne le rôle décisif qu'eût la sculpture dans la constitution de son art, en particulier sa peinture qui en restera marquée. Il valide ainsi l'affirmation de Picasso adressée à Christian Zevros : "Ce n'est pas ce que l'artiste fait qui compte, mais ce qu'il est." Pierre Daix révèle une création protéiforme, dont cette confidence donne la clé : "Savoir tout hausser jusqu'au niveau de l'art. C'est ainsi, comme il me l'a dit la dernière fois que nous nous sommes vus, que Picasso pouvait parvenir "à toucher à quelque chose". Quelque chose qui franchisse le temps."

Genres: Art, Biography, Spanish Literature

450 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Deborah Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this book as I learned so much European history as well as the direct details of Picasso and his work. Pierre Daix was a personal friend of Pablo's for 40 years and as such had access to the original letters, works and Picasso's own thoughts. He made a journey of the complexities of his life through the eyes of an objective art historian and supportive friend.

I gained a great deal from the developmental process of the art work and the historical perspective involving so many influential people involved in Picasso's life inclusive but not limited to Matisse, Braque, Gertrude Stein, the art dealers, Apollinaire, Surrealists and Cezanne. The relationships with his models, lovers and wives were detailed through an objective lens.

The text was originally hard for me to read as there are quite a few French terms mixed with the English, as this is a translation from the original French text written by Daix. And, the titles of art work were hard to remember as they were referenced frequently. Some of the works were included in a fine photo section in the middle which included actual photographs of Picasso, works and friends. After I referral to other sources for the works, the reading flowed smoothly.

This book is probably the best composite available on the Life of Picasso due to the direct objective relationship Daix had with the artist. I feel it is one of the finest books I have ever read and am glad I own a copy to reread as well as reference.

Very fine book.

[David R. · Rating 1 out of 5]

One must admire the fruits of Daix's long and close relationship with the great artist. Unfortunately, this restrospective lacks punch. One problem is that the discussions of artworks are unconnected to images: I couldn't grasp all of the nuances associated with the hundreds of cited paintings and sculptures. What is more is that Daix generates vast amounts of dry dust concerning his relationships over time. Mistresses come and go, friends inexplicably disappear, and residences change for no clear reason. It may be there is much lost in translation, but the net effect is a gigantic yawn. Picasso has become...uninteresting.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

only few chapters in but very intresting. Picasso is one of my fave postmodernists so great to read a book on his life written by someone who actually knew him.