Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
LAWRENCE SAPHIRE Obituary
With great sadness, Larry passed away on January 10 at 86. A graduate of Yale and the Sorbonne in Paris, he was a noted art scholar, poet, author, art dealer and gifted raconteur. Larry is well known as the author of Catalogue Raisonnes on the prints of Fernand Leger and Andre Masson. His essays have been widely published by the Musee Beaubourg and other institutions. He is survived by his wife, Tricia, three sons, Frank, Eric and Ezra, a daughter, Rachel, daughter- in-law Lynn, two grandchildren, Craig and Kathryn, and his sister, Phyllis. Larry's brilliance, warmth and good nature will be greatly missed by his family and the world of art. Rest in peace dearest Larry.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for LAWRENCE SAPHIRE
robert feldman
January 8, 2022
Larry was an esteemed colleague and a valued friend.
He has been missed.
Robert Feldman
January 8, 2020
Is it really a year?
Sic transit, Larry.
Sleep well.
Amy Madden
September 13, 2018
I just searched for Larry on the internet, having an art-related question only he could answer... devastated, shocked and very sad to see he'd passed away. He was so intelligent and kind-- generous with information and passionate about his subject-- ethical, honest and trustworthy. Please accept deep condolences. There are so few of his ilk and knowledge in the artworld now; he will be truly missed.
Boris Fridman
February 6, 2018
It sad to know that I never any more will communicate with Larry. He became a friend of mine. And he teach me a lot. He assisted in providing exhibition in Moscow and came for the opening. I will miss him. My and my wife Galina condolences to Larry's family.
Robin Hortense Littlewood
January 30, 2018
After Tricia rang with the news, I went back to the last email
I received from Larry and here's what I found:
Dear Robin,
For my deciduous fruits allergy, I have found that poaching for 3 minutes and then skinning the fruit eliminates the problem. But from time to time, I've eaten the poached skin without any adverse effects (Note that the French discard the skin for their compotes).
Are you still in LA? How's the brain? Hope all's well.
Love,
Larry
That's Larry in a nutshell: the idiosyncrasy (deciduously'!); the delight in food preparation; and the catechism of sound advice, french culture and entertaining trivia.
It breaks my heart knowing there'll be no more ... no more wry emails; no more half-day trips to the shops for the ingredients in Trish and Larry's three-course, wine-paired meals; no more time to ask him what he meant by
how's the brain?'.
Larry was fun - children loved him - and he was kind. But there was also something anachronistic about him. And while he was indeed a good man, I prefer to cherish something that was bigger, rarer and that was as affecting as it was invisible. At 24, lonely and living on my own in the Marais (then a slum) I answered the telephone, and, somehow found myself befriended by .... a humanist. His name was Larry. And it doesn't matter matter now how hard I may wish it weren't so, now that he is gone, it is unlikely that I will ever meet one again.
Cosima Littlewood
January 27, 2018
Sending all my love and condolences to Tricia, Ezra, Rachel, and all of Larry's family.
Larry was an uncle to me; I will always remember and cherish his kindness, intelligence, and wonderful sense of humor. Rest in peace, Larry.
Sally Solomon
January 27, 2018
We will all miss Larry Saphire. He was a great dealer, scholar and friend. Our sincerest condolences to his lovely family.. Sally and Jerry Solomon
January 24, 2018
Dear Tricia,
David would be so sad to hear. I always enjoyed seeing Larry at auctions since we shared common interests including my husband. I know he was crazy about you!!!!
Pat Specter
January 16, 2018
Larry Saphire, dear husband of my lifelong friend Tricia will be sorely missed. A man of great intellect and charm, Larry captivated the room whenever he spoke.Rest in peace,my friend.
Bob Feldman
January 16, 2018
Always a gentleman, a fine scholar, ever helpful, a mensch. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Claire & Jerry Hunter
January 15, 2018
Dearest Larry, will be forever missed. We had lots of laughs sitting at the table with cousins and chatting our Cousin Larry. You will always have a seat at our table and we know your with us always. Love you LARRY ! Cousins, Claire and Jerry... xoxo
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in LAWRENCE SAPHIRE's name
Memorial Events
for LAWRENCE SAPHIRE
How to support LAWRENCE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor LAWRENCE SAPHIRE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
