Becoming Picasso

On 14 February The Courtauld Gallery in London opens Becoming Picasso: Paris 1901 (CLICK). This exhibition tries to recreate the 19-year-old Picasso's breakthrough show in Paris in 1901, a show which set him on the road to fame and fortune. Will it explain how a third-rate artist managed to transmogrify himself into the art genius of the 20th century? Will it show how he bamboozled the art critics of the day into thinking he had talent? No way. The Courtauld Gallery blurb is uncritical to the point of being sycophantic. Shown is Picasso's Seated Harlequin (1901). Entry to this tosh is £6 for adults, £5 for silver surfers. Go on a Monday, if you must; entry is only £3 all day.