A Life Painted in Independence Françoise Gilot, born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, in 1921 and passing away in New York City in June of 2023 at the remarkable age of 101, was far more than simply a muse. Though inextricably linked in history with Pablo Picasso, to define her solely by that association diminishes the breadth and depth of a career spanning eight decades – a career marked by artistic innovation, intellectual courage, and an unwavering commitment to self-expression. Gilot’s story is one of navigating societal expectations, challenging established norms within the art world, and…