John richardson picasso biography

Interviews and notes

Richardson’s fascination with Picasso dates back to his teenage years, when he tried to persuade his mother to lend him £50 to buy a print by the artist.

Later on, from the 1950s onwards, Richardson coincided with Picasso when they were both living in the south of France and remained close to him for years. Intending to write a biography, Richardson kept a diary of his meetings with Picasso and after the artist’s death his widow Jacqueline Roque agreed to collaborate with the author by allowing him access to the archives and documents she held.

Richardson performed a mammoth task; he compiled and organised abundant documented details about the artist’s life with great narrative skill while also providing well-founded interpretations that give an insight into moments and situations.

John richardson picasso volume 4

The result is the four volumes that make up A Life of Picasso: The Prodigy, 1881−1906 (vol. 1), 1991; The Cubist Rebel, 1907−1916 (vol. 2)