Having decided at the age of five that she would be an artist, Françoise traced a path intimately linked to the evolution of modern art in the 20th century. Françoise Gilot was born in Paris and grew up in an environment that promotes interest in the arts and sciences. She began studying rights but her devouring passion for the arts led her to take her independence very early. From the age of 21, Françoise Gilot became one of the most respected artists of this emerging Paris School. In 1943 Françoise met Pablo Picasso and began a long ten-year relationship where she was both a witness and participant in the last period of modern art in Europe.