1920 Baigneuses Е la plage Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a scene populated by nude figures on what appears to be a beach or shoreline. The composition is characterized by a lack of depth and perspective; the figures are arranged in a flattened plane, creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy. A horizontal line demarcates the boundary between the land and water, though the latter is suggested rather than depicted with detail.
Several female figures dominate the scene. One figure strides forward into the water, her arm extended as if gesturing or reaching out. Another sits in profile, her posture relaxed and contemplative. Further along, a seated woman appears to be observing the action unfolding before her. A fourth figure is positioned on the left side of the composition, seemingly absorbed in thought while holding an object – possibly a book or sheet of paper – close to her chest.
A male figure reclines centrally within the group, his body angled diagonally across the frame. He too holds a small rectangular object, and his gaze seems directed towards the woman entering the water. The figures are rendered with loose, expressive lines, emphasizing their forms rather than precise anatomical detail. This stylistic choice contributes to an overall impression of spontaneity and movement.
The absence of background elements focuses attention entirely on the interaction between the individuals. The limited tonal range – primarily consisting of dark outlines against a light ground – further reinforces this sense of intimacy and immediacy. There is a suggestion of narrative, though it remains ambiguous; the gestures and postures of the figures hint at an unspoken story or shared moment.
Subtly, the drawing evokes themes of leisure, contemplation, and perhaps even a quiet melancholy. The relaxed poses and lack of overt interaction suggest a sense of detachment from the world outside the scene. The presence of the book held by both female figures introduces an element of intellectual pursuit or introspection, contrasting with the physicality of the beach setting. Overall, the work conveys a mood of serene observation and understated human connection.