John Richardson Paintings

John Richardson was a British art historian and biographer, most notably known for his comprehensive and authoritative multi-volume biography of the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Richardson was born on February 6, 1924, in London, England. He was educated at the Slade School of Fine Art, London, and after his service in the army during World War II, he moved to France, where he became intimately involved with the post-war art scene, developing close friendships with many prominent artists of the time, including Georges Braque, Fernand Léger, and Picasso himself.

Richardson's deep connection with Picasso and his circle would later form the foundation for his magnum opus, 'A Life of Picasso,' the first volume of which was published in 1991. The biography was praised for its rich detail, scholarly rigor, and the author's personal insights into Picasso's life and work. The second and third volumes were published in 1996 and 2007, respectively, and Richardson was working on the fourth volume at the time of his death.

Beyond his work on Picasso, Richardson also had a prolific career as an art critic and curator. He worked at Christie's auction house in New York and was involved in organizing several significant art exhibitions. He was a regular contributor to publications such as The New York Review of Books and Vanity Fair, offering critiques and insights into the contemporary art world.

Richardson's contributions to the field of art history were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was appointed a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government and received honorary doctorates from several universities. His expertise and eloquent writing style made him a respected and influential figure in the art community.

John Richardson passed away on March 12, 2021, at the age of 97. His legacy endures through his extensive work, particularly his intimate and detailed exploration of Picasso's life and art, which remains a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.