fascinating. yet must the history of a painting always overshadow its current emotional impact & message?

Years ago I learned to separate the art from the artist. There is too much art that I love made by despicable people, like Picasso. He was a really awful person but I leave that aside when enjoying his work.

Another interesting article about Picasso.

http://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/05/arts/art-review-occupied-p...