Brassai: Paris & Picasso

Founded in 2019 by Kelly Croteau, Maison Plage is a destination for those seeking rare, out of print, and new books relating to art, design, travel and photography. Inspired by French grandeur and the beach, the world of Maison Plage merges leisure and luxury. Their coffee table books are sourced to encourage escapism and creativity.

During the 1930’s in Paris, the city was buzzing with budding creatives, including Picasso and Brassai who became fast friends amid the growing art scene. Photographer, Brassai had a knack for capturing the juxtaposition of the city’s various moods. He also documented many artist and writer friends, such as Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, Jean Genet—and Picasso, whom he first met in 1932 and whose sculptural work he was the first to photograph.

This book showcases Brassai’s beloved black-and-white portraits of this magical era, with a focus of mostly photographs of Picasso at work as well as away from his studio. It includes a text by Henry Miller that provides a riveting context of this noteworthy period.