John Richardson

John Richardson: A Life Spent Chronicling Picasso

By Emmanuelle Lequeux

Published on April 08, 2023 at 06:00 AM | Updated on April 11, 2023 at 11:17 AM

John Richardson, born on January 19, 1934, in Worthing, West Sussex, and passed away on January 5, 2021, wrote and oversaw a project to chronicle the life and work of one of the 20th century's most prolific and influential artists, Pablo Picasso. His writing career was launched in 1953, and over time he became a close friend of Picasso and his family.

Richardson's in-depth knowledge of Picasso and his art, combined with his unique personal perspective, has resulted in a comprehensive and highly acclaimed four-volume biography of the renowned artist. The first volume, "A Life of Picasso," was published in 1991, followed by the second, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" (1999), "The Triumphant Years, 1917-1932" (2012), and "The Flame of Life" (2019), which was published posthumously after Richardson's passing.

Richardson's exploration of Picasso's life and work extended beyond his extensive biography. He also wrote numerous other books, curated exhibitions, and contributed to countless articles, documentaries, and television programs, all dedicated to unraveling the complexities of the legendary artist's life and creative genius. His passion for Picasso's art and his unwavering commitment to understanding and sharing its significance have left an indelible mark on the world of art history and appreciation.