Picasso and Dora

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James Lord arrived in Paris near the end of World War II, eager to distinguish himself and meet the greatest artist of the era, Pablo Picasso. His journey to persuade Picasso to draw two portraits of him and gain access to the artist's studio marks the beginning of a haunting narrative by a gifted chronicler of modern art. The memoir explores Lord's intense yet ambivalent relationship with Picasso, but it delves deeper into his complex connection with Dora Maar, Picasso's mistress at the time. A legendary and reclusive figure, Maar was a talented photographer and painter, still residing in the spaces Picasso had provided for her over fifty years earlier. Lord's portrayal of her is rich with psychological insight, showcasing his ability to bring her character to life. The narrative also features a vibrant cast of secondary figures from the postwar Parisian art scene, including Balthus, Jacques Lacan, Andre Masson, and Giacometti. This memoir not only captures the essence of Lord's experiences but also serves as a significant contribution to the history of contemporary art.