Life with Picasso by Francoise Gilot (Vintage 1965 Edition)

“Life with Picasso” is a memoir by French painter and writer Françoise Gilot, who was the lover and muse of renowned artist Pablo Picasso from 1944 to 1953. The book, co-authored with writer Carlton Lake, was first published in 1964.

The memoir provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, as well as a portrait of the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Picasso and Gilot. The book chronicles their life together, including their travels, creative collaborations, and the birth of their two children, Claude and Paloma.

Gilot’s writing in “Life with Picasso” is frank and honest, offering a nuanced perspective on the artist’s personality and behavior. She describes Picasso as both charismatic and mercurial, capable of great tenderness and cruelty. Gilot also provides insights into Picasso’s creative process, describing his approach to painting and the evolution of his artistic style.

The book was controversial at the time of its publication, as it offered a frank and unflinching portrayal of Picasso’s personal life, including his infidelities and difficult relationships with women. However, “Life with Picasso” has since become a classic of modern literature and an important document of the artistic and cultural milieu of the mid-20th century.