1907 Les demoiselles d – Рtude densemble Е sept personnages cinq demoiselles, lВtudiant en mВdecine et la marin Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1889-1907

The drawing presents a complex arrangement of figures within a confined space. Here we observe seven individuals – five women, a male student, and a sailor – engaged in what appears to be a scene of ambiguous social interaction. The artist has rendered the composition with a deliberate lack of conventional perspective; spatial relationships are flattened and distorted, creating an unsettling sense of simultaneity rather than depth.
The figures themselves are depicted through a series of angular lines and fragmented forms. Their bodies are not presented in a naturalistic manner but appear as collections of planes and volumes, suggesting a breakdown of traditional anatomical representation. Facial features are minimal or absent, contributing to the overall feeling of anonymity and detachment. The poses are awkward and contorted, further emphasizing the disruption of conventional beauty standards.
A palpable tension permeates the scene. The figures seem both present and disconnected, their gazes averted or unfocused. There is a sense of unease in their proximity; they occupy the same space but do not appear to connect meaningfully. The sailor, positioned on the right side of the composition, seems particularly isolated, his posture suggesting a state of observation rather than participation.
The artist’s use of line is crucial to understanding the works impact. The rapid, gestural strokes convey a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, while also contributing to the overall feeling of fragmentation. The lines are not used to define form in a traditional way but instead to delineate planes and angles, creating a visual vocabulary that prioritizes structure over representation.
Subtextually, the drawing seems to explore themes of alienation, modernity, and the disintegration of established social norms. The fragmented figures can be interpreted as symbolic representations of individuals struggling to find their place within an increasingly complex and impersonal world. The absence of clear narrative or emotional cues invites viewers to project their own interpretations onto the scene, further amplifying its unsettling effect. It is a study in deconstruction – not just of form, but also of social interaction and human representation itself.