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.
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.
See all Editorial Reviews
