Picasso's Collection of African & Oceanic Art: Master of Metamorphosis

Stepan, Peter; icasso's Collection of African & Oceanic Art: Master of Metamorphosis; Prestel Books, 2006.

Although he never set foot in Africa, Picasso had a passion for African art. Throughout the course of his life he assembled a unique collection of statues and masks. Comprising more than 120 objects, Picasso’s private collection can now be found in museums in Paris such as the Louvre, Musée Quai Branly and the Musée Picasso, as well as in the private collections of members of Picasso’s family.

This beautiful book documents the entire collection and examines it as a whole. It features documentary photographs, a section of stunning color plates, and detailed ethnographic descriptions of each piece, providing a full account of Picasso’s relationship with African and Oceanic art. This important publication sheds new light on the fascination non-Western art held for one of twentieth century’s most important artists.

Peter Stepan is an art-historian specializing in Western and African art. He is the author and editor of numerous books including Spirits Speak: A Celebration of African Masks.

152 pages, 42 color and 226 black & white photographs.