Picasso and the Painting That Shocked the World

By: Miles J. Unger

Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner

Length: 15 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

When Picasso became Picasso: the story of how an obscure young painter from Barcelona came to Paris and made himself into the most influential artist of the 20th century

In 1900, an 18-year-old Spaniard named Pablo Picasso made his first trip to Paris. It was in this glittering capital of the international art world that, after suffering years of poverty and neglect, he emerged as the leader of a bohemian band of painters, sculptors, and poets. Fueled by opium and alcohol, inspired by raucous late-night conversations at the Lapin Agile cabaret, Picasso and his friends resolved to shake up the world.

For most of these years Picasso lived and worked in a squalid tenement known as the Bateau Lavoir, in the heart of picturesque Montmartre. Here he met his first true love, Fernande Olivier, a muse whom he would transform in his art from Symbolist goddess to Cubist monster. These were years of struggle, often of desperation, but Picasso later looked back on them as the happiest of his long life.

Recognition came slowly: first in the avant-garde circles in which he traveled, and later among a small group of daring collectors, including the Americans Leo and Gertrude Stein. In 1906, Picasso began the vast, disturbing masterpiece known as Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. Inspired by the groundbreaking painting of Paul Cezanne and the startling inventiveness of African and tribal sculpture, Picasso created a work that captured and defined the disorienting experience of modernity itself. The painting proved so shocking that even his friends assumed he'd gone mad. Only his colleague George Braque understood what Picasso was trying to do. Over the next few years they teamed up to create Cubism, the most revolutionary and influential movement in 20th-century art.

This is the story of an artistic genius with a singular creative gift. It is filled with heartbreak and triumph, despair and delirium, all of it played out against the backdrop of the world's most captivating city.

©2018 Simon & Schuster Audio (P)2018 Simon & Schuster Audio

Very enjoyable and informative.

I really enjoyed the book. But then again. I love art and I am a fan of Picasso. The explanations of his work really made you appreciate it more. The stories behind his works and characters involved in his development. Really painted a picture.

All around great story of an artist's life

Great story of an artist's life, and passion for the work itself. Inspiring. It should be read by all.

excellent book

this author really dug deep into where cubism came from and how picaso worked. easily one of tge best biographies i have listened too!

Throughly enjoyable on every level.

For anyone connected to the modernist art movement on any level, listening to this is a must.

An outstanding interpretation

As an artist who has studied Picasso’s work throughout a lifetime,
I found this to be the most original and incisive analysis of both the Desmoiselles and Picasso’s creative psychology that I have ever encountered. Told with great narrative skill, this story is accessible to layman and expert alike.

The history surrounding Picasso

Picasso struggled like any artist does trying to find himself through his art. To listen to his relationship with other popular artists of his day and of his weaknesses and strengths made me appreciate him all the more.

Recommended for Picasso fans

The author examines Picasso's early life in Paris, his relationship with the Steins, his competition with Matisse and Cezanne, and the painting that acted as Picasso's "exorcism." I'm not sure if casual art fans will enjoy this book, but I would highly recommend it for fans of Picasso.

I wish there was more!

One of the best audiable books I’ve listened to. It was a wonderful detailed account of Picasso’s rise to fame. I learned so much and my only complaint is that I wish there was more! The research and ties to other people and artists was fascinating, I feel like I have a new understanding of Picasso. Highly recommend!

Informative, engaging discussion of Picasso & era.

Very well-researched discussion of Picasso's life, art, friends, influences, and social milieu. Occasionally redundant.

Powerful

Picassos life was conveyed on canvas....life with its cuts,scars, triumphs,wars won and lost...mostly won in the studio. This audio book takes you there to witness the gusto, and gore of a life lived apologetically. I didn't want it to end.