Title: Picasso
First published: November 1, 2001
Description: Picasso is one of the most original and creative artists of the twentieth century. Innovative throughout his long career, his work shows a mastery of many different techniques, but always carries an emotional impact and always bears the stamp of his own individual style. A master of the traditional forms of art, Picasso quickly absorbed the impressionist influences of the Paris school, exemplified by works such as The Embrace in the Street and In the Dressing Room. Toulouse-Lautrec's influence is also apparent in the haunting attitudes of despair which characterize his Blue Period. The life-affirming circus scenes of his Rose Period have lighter, softer lines, and paintings such as The Actor are relaxed, even mellow. Influenced by African sculpture, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon shocked even Picasso's friends and its sharp angles and hard colors announced a new direction in modern painting. With his new vision, Picasso gave the world Cubism. Indifferent to light, Picasso concentrated on form and composition, but was also the first Cubist to become disenchanted with the new technique, and returned again to Classical imagery, depicting monumental figures. Again, Picasso could not help exploring the possibilities offered by Surrealism, and canvases such as Figures on the Seashore try to make conscious the subconscious. Guernica, perhaps his masterpiece, shows a return to Expressionism as he depicts the tragedy and horror of war. Picasso gives an outline of the artist's life, essential to understanding his complex work, and over 120 of Picasso's most famous and important works are illustrated in full color. With its informative but accessible text and lavish illustrations, this impressive volume vividly brings to life the paintings of one of the greatest names in history of modern art. - Jacket flap.