Some of the most celebrated artists of the 20th Century are rarely seen in front of the camera; or if they are, they appear in official portrait or genius-at-work shots.

But a new book sheds light on the everyday lives of creative luminaries such as Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol.

Artists Unframed by Merry A Foresta pulls together rarely-seen snapshots of legendary artists with their guard down.

The intriguingly candid photos capture a Bohemian set of movers and shakers off-duty and at their zenith - on vacation, at parties and openings, and relaxing with children, books and friends.

Pablo Picasso is seen smiling by his young daughter Maya on a balcony in 1944, with a heartfelt penned caption noting that "he's very much in love". The famously enigmatic Warhol is captured in a cosy group shot with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, at a gallery opening in 1971. Lovers Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo pose together in an extraordinary moment of intimacy at their home in Mexico.

The book, out this week, draws on photos that have been tucked away for years in the letters and diaries held by Smithsonian's Archive of American Art.

Take a look at some of our favourite snaps from the selection, below.

History's most iconic artists and dreamers as you've never seen them before