Picasso & Lump: A Dachshund's Odyssey

The story of Picasso and Lump, in both words and pictures, is an intimate exploration of how pets feel "at home." This sincere collection of photographs by David Douglas Duncan, Picasso's personal photographer and family friend, tells the story of Lump discovering home at Picasso's Villa La Californie. And we are completely smitten.

Lump's nomadic lifestyle with a photographer and the Afghan hound who "tyrannized" him in Rome did not suit him. Instead, during a visit to Picasso's home, "Lump decided that he had found paradise on earth, and that he would move in with Picasso, whether he was welcome or not."

Not only was Lump welcome, but he became an iconic symbol of twentieth-century art.

This book is everywhere right now, but we found the best price available at Powell's, for $14.95.

(Re-published from original post on 7/17/06)

Comments (6)

This is such an unlikely and amazing book. I love all of the candid images of Picasso at home with his tenacious little dog. It's an interesting document of the artist's domestic space and private life with Lump. I think that it's very humanizing to see public figures interacting with their beloved pets.

posted by Roni on 2006-07-17 12:22:21

I love Lump.

posted by MyNameIsEarlGrey on 2006-07-17 13:44:30

Oh this should be on my Amazon wish list for first of all, I love the name given to the dog, Lump, secondly, it's a Dachshund and they are near and dear to my heart as I grew up with the breed and love them pretty much above all other breeds.

What I liked is how the photographer captured Picasso in his personal space with wife and Lump and the intimacy of scenes, at least the ones shown here anyway.

posted by ciddyguy on September 28th 2007 at 10:58am
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There's something about a man with a dog...

posted by Caitlin in Seattle on September 28th 2007 at 5:42pm
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It makes the iconic feel familiar and human.

posted by Cate on September 28th 2007 at 7:14pm
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That woman is so classic and elegant

posted by caraliz on September 29th 2007 at 6:15am
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