Picasso, Friends and Family
Photographs by Edward Quinn
“He doesn’t bother me,” Picasso remarked about photographer Edward Quinn, who first captured him at work in the ceramics studio in the early 1950s. This laid-back attitude allowed Quinn to follow the artist with his Leica for over 20 years, documenting Picasso’s life on the Côte d’Azur—whether in the studio, with family, at bullfights, or even at the hairdresser’s. The Quinn Archive features a treasure trove of intimate photographs that reveal Picasso's everyday life, character, humor, and enthusiasm in a light-hearted manner. Quinn’s approach was unpretentious; he avoided tripods and artificial lighting, aiming to capture genuine moments. This results in a viewer experience that feels personal and immediate, reminiscent of contemporary street photography. The collection showcases Picasso in unexpected situations, offering a magical glimpse into the artist's world. Edward Quinn (1920, Dublin–1997, Altendorf/Switzerland) worked as a press photographer on the Côte d’Azur for major international magazines like Life and Paris Match. Over his 20-year friendship with Picasso, he took more than 12,000 photographs, later focusing on the art scene and capturing renowned figures such as Max Ernst, Alexander Calder, and Salvador Dalí.


