‘The book of the season … a truly tremendous and singular achievement’ – State of Art

‘Moving and magnificent … a linking narrative of exceptional clarity, sympathy and perception’ – The Sunday Telegraph

‘A full, frank and gossipy account of intrigue, plots and squabbles among Picasso’s entourage … As a psychological case study, an art-historical resource, a cautionary tale for biographers or simply as sheer entertainment, Visiting Picasso is hard to put down’ – Hilary Spurling, The Observer

'… stirs up the picture we have of Picasso in a refreshing, mind-freeing way’ – The Guardian

These documents are important, exhilarating and fresh. They are uncensored, first-hand, on-the-spot observations of Picasso at home and in company.

The informal immediacy of the jottings – anecdotes, incidents, telling details and off-the-record conversations – makes for a compellingly candid read.

Penrose’s notes also include revealing accounts of the artist at work, affording insights into the making of masterpieces, such as Guernica. As well as artworks and events, photographs taken by, among others, Penrose’s wife, the celebrated photographer Lee Miller, illustrate the colourful cast of characters – from Dora Maar and Françoise Gilot to Jean Cocteau and Gary Cooper.

This fascinating record of an era, and of a remarkable relationship, is a must for anyone with a scholarly interest in Picasso, but also for the many readers who are intrigued by the life and personality of one of the most charismatic personalities the world has ever known.

Elizabeth Cowling is Professor Emeritus, History of Art Edinburgh University. Her previous publications include the British Academy Book Award-winning Picasso: Style and Meaning. She was also co-curator of the enormously successful ‘Matisse Picasso’ exhibition shown in London, Paris and New York.

Also of interest
The Boy Who Bit Picasso by Antony Penrose
Lee Miller Portraits from a Life
Lump: The Dog Who Ate a Picasso
Picasso World of Art series