Matisse and Picasso, A Friendship in Art, Signed by Françoise Gilot
[Signed] Gilot, Françoise. Matisse and Picasso, A Friendship in Art. First Edition, 1990. Book and dust jacket are both in very good condition. Book is signed “Françoise Gilot” on the half title page.
In a review of the exhibition “Matisse and Picasso: A Gentle Rivalry,” Jacob Weisberg asserted that though it is possible to admire both artists, it is impossible not to choose sides, “everyone is either a Matisse person or Picasso person.” Not since Gertrude Stein was anyone as close to both men as was Gilot. She was lover to Picasso; beloved friend to Matisse; and muse to both. In this memoir as Socratic dialog, it becomes clear where Gilot’s sympathy lies, but what is fascinating is how she gets there.
“To be sure, [Matisse and Picasso] felt a sense of competition as artists, and they often found ways to test each other. But as years went by a mutual respect developed, a deep understanding and a sincere appreciation of the other’s greatness.”
--Françoise Gilot