1918 Les baigneuses Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1908-1918

The composition presents a group of figures on what appears to be a beach setting. Three women dominate the foreground, their poses and attire suggesting leisure and relaxation. One figure stands upright, her arms raised as if holding back wind-blown hair; she is clad in a vertically striped bathing suit, drawing attention to her posture and creating a sense of dynamic movement. Two other women are positioned lower in the frame, reclining on the sandy ground. The woman lying centrally wears a vibrant red swimsuit, while the figure beside her is dressed in purple. Both seem absorbed in their own thoughts or sensations, with one covering her ears as if attempting to block out external noise.
The background establishes a coastal landscape. A body of water stretches towards the horizon where a lighthouse stands prominently on a rocky promontory. A single sailboat adds depth and suggests an expansive environment beyond the immediate beach scene. The sky is rendered in shades of green and blue, contributing to a somewhat unusual and dreamlike atmosphere.
The artist’s use of color is notable. The bright hues of the swimsuits contrast with the muted tones of the sand and rocks, creating visual interest and highlighting the figures as focal points. The limited palette contributes to a sense of stylized representation rather than realistic depiction.
Subtleties within the work hint at deeper meanings. The woman shielding her ears could be interpreted as a symbolic gesture representing an attempt to escape or ignore something – perhaps the lingering trauma of recent events, given the historical context of the early post-war period. The lighthouse, often associated with guidance and safety, stands distant yet visible, suggesting hope amidst uncertainty. The overall impression is one of quiet contemplation and resilience in the face of adversity, conveyed through a carefully constructed arrangement of figures and landscape elements.