1905 Les trois hollandaises Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The composition presents three figures set against a simplified landscape. Two women stand in close proximity, their bodies rendered with a deliberate reduction of form and a flattening of perspective characteristic of early modern artistic approaches. The woman on the left is dressed in a blue dress with red accents, while the figure to her right wears a peach-colored top and skirt. A yellow hat adorns the head of the leftmost woman, contrasting with the white caps worn by the others. A basket hangs from the arm of the woman in peach tones.
The artist has employed a limited palette dominated by blues, reds, yellows, and whites, contributing to a sense of austerity and clarity. The background features a low horizon line and a rudimentary building – likely a farmhouse or cottage – rendered with minimal detail. This architectural element is positioned slightly off-center, adding a subtle asymmetry to the scene.
The interaction between the two women is central to the works narrative. One figure gently places her hand on the shoulder of the other, suggesting either comfort, support, or perhaps a gesture of shared understanding. Their faces are characterized by an almost impassive expression, devoid of overt emotion, which lends them a certain enigmatic quality.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of community and rural life. The womens traditional attire and the presence of the farmhouse evoke a sense of established customs and a connection to the land. However, the stylized rendering of the figures and the flattened perspective disrupt any straightforward depiction of realism. Instead, they suggest an interest in exploring formal qualities – shape, color, and composition – over representational accuracy. The lack of individualizing features on the women’s faces could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of collective identity or a commentary on the anonymity often experienced within communal structures.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the complexities of human relationships and the enduring significance of tradition in a rapidly changing world.