1919 Danseuses, daprКs une photographie Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a group of figures clustered together in what appears to be a chaotic arrangement. They are rendered in a linear style, utilizing dense cross-hatching and varied line weight to suggest form and volume. The composition lacks a clear focal point; instead, the eye is drawn across a tangle of bodies draped in voluminous fabric.
Here we see several women, their faces largely obscured by elaborate head coverings that resemble bonnets or hoods. These garments are rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing folds and drapery. One figure, positioned centrally, seems to be gesturing or speaking, her mouth open in an exaggerated expression. The other figures appear to be reacting to this gesture, though their expressions remain ambiguous due to the limited facial visibility.
The overall impression is one of confinement and perhaps even distress. The tight grouping suggests a lack of personal space, while the heavy drapery contributes to a sense of oppression or restriction. The artist’s use of dense hatching creates a visual texture that reinforces this feeling of density and unease.
Subtly, theres an element of theatricality at play. The exaggerated gesture and elaborate costumes hint at a performance or staged event. However, the somber mood and lack of clear narrative context prevent it from being purely celebratory. It is possible to interpret the scene as depicting a moment of tension or conflict within a group, perhaps reflecting social anxieties or power dynamics.
The drawing’s monochromatic palette further contributes to its unsettling atmosphere. The absence of color intensifies the focus on form and line, emphasizing the figures physical presence while simultaneously stripping away any potential for visual relief or emotional warmth. Ultimately, the work evokes a sense of mystery and invites speculation about the circumstances surrounding this gathering of women.