The silent studio

by David Douglas Duncan

A photographic tour of Picasso's last studio-home taken after his death. Includes a couple of portraits of Picasso's widow Jacqueline. Printed in exquisite gravure. 113 pages; illustrated throughout with b&w photographic plates; 8.5 x 11.25 inches.

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this because as a former photographer I was familiar with Duncan's other non-Picasso work. The tough part was appreciating it without being a Picasso fan. As you read the intro you certainly get a sense of the friendship and appreciation that Duncan experienced as a friend, neighbor and artist himself, but I often felt that many of the photographs didn't accomplish getting that message across. Some photos really seemed effortless and 'matter-of-fact.' They really accomplished showing you how Picasso lived and worked in his home and studio, but mostly failed to elaborate on the importance Jacqueline had in Picassos life as well as the importance Picasso had in her life. Duncan touches upon the turmoil she undergoes the two years following his death so why were there only 3 single photos that included her at the very end of the book? Only two photos of the datschund mentioned earlier that helped her grieve. I found these to be some of the most insightful photos, and being a photojournalist, the photos I expected Duncan to concentrate on the most. Seeing his home and studio have their place, and while photographed expertly (with great gear) and with technical skill I felt including more of the photos of Jacqueline, the dogs as well as the process of inventorying his work by the government would have been a better approach for the book.