Biography

Christian Zervos was a prominent Greek-French art historian, critic, and publisher, born on January 1, 1889, in Argostoli, Cefalonia, Greece, and passed away on September 12, 1970, in Paris. Zervos is best known for his significant contributions to the art world through his founding of the influential magazine Cahiers d'art in 1926, which became a crucial platform for modern art and artists of the early 20th century. He also ran an art gallery and was deeply involved in the promotion and critique of contemporary art. Zervos's work extended beyond publishing; he was a connoisseur of both modern and ancient art, with a particular interest in Greek and prehistoric art. Among his notable publications are comprehensive studies on the art of Crete and the Cyclades, as well as a monumental 33-volume catalogue raisonné of Pablo Picasso's work, which remains a definitive resource for scholars and collectors. Despite some criticism, notably from Salvador Dalí, Zervos's influence on the art world, particularly in documenting and promoting modern art, is widely recognized and continues to be valued by collectors and historians today.