Matisse, Picasso, Miro--as I Knew Them [Paperback]

Rosamond Bernier (Author), John Russell (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 14, 1993

Rosamond Bernier went to France in 1946 as "Vogue" features editor and stayed there for the next two decades, during which time she formed close and enduring friendships with many of the greatest painters of the 20th century, most particularly Matisse, Picasso and Miro. Reluctant though they were to reveal themselves to outsiders, Ms Bernier had their trust to a remarkable extent and each of them talked to her, as to few others, for hours at a time. From these conversations she gleaned not only a fund of personal and moving reminiscences, but also an understanding of the artists' work, lives and milieu. In this book, Ms Bernier captures the substance of these conversations, interweaving anecdote, description of each man's artistic concerns and photographs. She writes of her exploration of Barcelona with Miro as her guide, and her visit to Matisse when he explained to her, page by page, his illustrations of Mallarme's "Poesies", as well as numerous other memories.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bernier, an American, arrived in Paris in 1947 and spent more than 20 years there. Founder of the art journal L'OEil , which she edited until 1969, she was a friend and associate of many famous artists, including the trio profiled in this snazzily illustrated book, replete with 350 reproductions and photographs (200 in color), and based on her lectures at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. In southern France she met Matisse, "a benign figure of Edwardian elegance," a world traveler who "made everywhere work for him," whether he was in Morocco, Tahiti, Saint Tropez or Spain. She limns Picasso as a man of multiple selves, "Prince Charming and Jack the Ripper" all in one. In Barcelona she befriended Miro, seen here as a dark surrealist visionary "eaten alive by his visions," rather than the purveyor of gentle whimsy beloved of the public. Bernier's enchanting reminiscences are rich in anecdote and insight. 40,000 first printing; BOMC selection; author tour.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Bernier's reminiscences of her friendship with three of this century's most revered artists provides insight into their work and entertaining stories of their character. In a breezy tone that makes reading a pleasure, she reveals Picasso's love of disguises (he painted himself in various costumes and was fascinated by a ten-gallon hat given him by Gary Cooper); Matisse's incessant cursing while he worked and his painstaking planning of the Venice Chapel; and Miro's visit with the Calders to a dance hall in Harlem. The book is based on a series of successful museum lectures seen recently on PBS. Only an uncorrected proof was available for review, but the final production promises 350 illustrations, including personal photographs, with 200 in full color. This BOMC selection should prove quite popular, appealing especially to general readers. Recommended for special as well as public collections.
- Ellen Bates, New York
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf; 1st edition (December 14, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679749411
• ISBN-13: 978-0679749417
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,478,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST-BUY BOOK, October 8, 2010

By 

Lorna Francis "casamadrid cook" (Castroville, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Matisse, Picasso, Miro--as I Knew Them (Hardcover)

ANY book by Rosamond Bernier is a valuable addition to one's Art History Library, but especially this one on Matisse and Picasso. The "used" copy

I got was brand, spankin' new, and so cheap that I ordered another one,

and will give a copy to the local library. I may order more for holiday

giving; the price is ridiculous, the reproductions gorgeous, and the

writing, as always very personal, witty, and fabulous. i.e.: The taxi cab

driver taking her to Matisse for a first interview, said that he knew

where Matisse lived but he did not. They were an HOUR LATE and Matisse felt very furious.

He complained that he had yet to to paid for a previous magazine article

in VOGUE. She took out her new fountain pen and began to write a check

immediately, noticing that Matisse was staring intently at the instrument.

She noticed his fascination and handed the pen to him to further examine.

She then gave it to him as a gift. The interview went very well from

that moment on.