This oversize paperback is a thoroughly illustrated study of Picasso's art over the decades. Chapters are organized chronologically by theme, and each essay features gorgeous color reproductions.

BY THE TIME HE WAS TWENTY, Pablo Picasso HAD PRODUCED OVER A THOUSAND PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS. AT THE AGE OF TWENTY-SIX HE HAD HIS FIRST MAJOR ARTISTIC TRIUMPH.WHAT REMAINED, IF NOT TO REPEAT HIS SUCCESS AND PRODUCE EVER MORE OF THE SAME? HE CHOSE INSTEAD TO START FROM SCRATCH AND, IN THE PROCESS, ENGAGED THE ART OF PAINTING IN COMPLETELY UNEXPLORED DIRECTIONS. PICASSO ONCE SAID, "EVERY PAINTING OF MINE IS A LESSON IN DECONSTRUCTION." THIS IS THE CENTRAL THEME OF THIS BOOK, WHICH PRESENTS A SURVEY OF THE PAINTER'S WORK AND SHOWS THAT THE CRUX OF PICASSO'S GENIUS,BEGINNING WITH LES DEMOISELLES D'AVlGNON (1907),WAS HIS PERPETUAL CALLING INTO QUESTION OF VISUAL REPRESENTATION.

Introduction The Principle of Equation-Painting

1. Picasso before Picasso

2. The Cubist revolution

3. Encounter with Surrealism

4. The Victory of Guernica

5. The Halcyon Years

6. The Last Blomms

Conclusion A Critique of (pure) Painting

Chronology

Bibliography

Photo credits