Septuagenarian

Pablo Picasso has been the most controversial artist of the 20th Century. He has been praised to heaven (Mexican Painter Diego Rivera: "I have never believed in God, but I believe in Picasso") and damned to hell (British Critic Michael Ayrton: "He is the archangel Lucifer"). He has also been the century's most protean artist, moving vigorously from one new style and outlook to another. Latterly, though still attracting attention, he has produced less & less consternation, largely because the world has got more used to him.

This week a distinguished gallery in London was holding a Picasso show with special fanfare. Reason: Pablo turns 70 on Thursday. Picasso himself, avoiding all the todo, was hard at work in his studio near the French Riviera, fashioning a sculpture of a girl jumping rope. Said he: "I am not going to celebrate."

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