1920 Deux nus fВminins1 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents two female figures in a close embrace, rendered with a stark simplicity and a deliberate distortion of anatomical proportions. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the intertwined forms and their shared space. Here we see one figure seated, her legs folded beneath her, while the other leans into her, their heads nearly touching.
The artist employed a monochromatic palette, relying on gradations of gray to define form and create depth. A limited range of tonal values contributes to an overall sense of austerity and introspection. The figures are not depicted with realistic detail; instead, they appear as simplified volumes, constructed from planes and angles. Facial features are minimal – large eyes dominate, conveying a sense of vulnerability or perhaps shared understanding.
The arrangement of the bodies suggests intimacy and support. One figure’s arm encircles the others shoulders, creating a gesture of comfort or protection. The overlapping limbs and compressed forms contribute to a feeling of closeness and interdependence. However, there is also an element of constraint; the figures seem somewhat flattened against the picture plane, their poses rigid rather than fluid.
The background is largely devoid of detail, fading into darkness that isolates the two figures. A low horizontal line near the bottom of the composition serves as a rudimentary groundline, anchoring the scene but offering little in the way of contextual information.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore themes of female companionship and shared experience. The absence of any male presence suggests an exploration of relationships between women, potentially hinting at solidarity or mutual support within a social context where such bonds might have been unconventional or marginalized. The stylized rendering and lack of overt emotional expression lend a sense of universality to the scene; these are not portraits of specific individuals but rather archetypal representations of female connection. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider the complexities of human relationships and the power of shared intimacy.