1920 Nessus et DВjanire2 Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Period of creation: 1919-1930

The drawing presents a dynamic and chaotic scene dominated by figures that appear to be human and equine, intertwined in a violent struggle. The composition is compressed, lacking depth or perspective; all elements are pushed towards the foreground, intensifying the sense of immediacy and conflict. A central figure, seemingly male, is depicted with exaggerated musculature and a contorted posture, his body partially obscured by what appears to be a mass of foliage or hair. He grapples with another figure, whose form blends equine and human characteristics; this second figure’s anatomy is similarly distorted, emphasizing the raw physicality of their interaction.
The artist employed a stark monochrome palette, relying on variations in ink density to suggest volume and movement. The lines are bold and expressive, lacking the precision of anatomical study. Instead, they convey an impressionistic sense of energy and turmoil. Hatching and cross-hatching techniques contribute to the textural complexity, particularly within the foliage-like mass enveloping one of the figures.
The background is suggested by a series of roughly sketched horizontal lines, hinting at a landscape horizon but offering little in the way of detail or clarity. This lack of environmental context further isolates the central drama and focuses attention on the struggle itself. The signature, located in the lower right corner, appears hastily rendered, consistent with the overall sense of urgency and spontaneity.
Subtextually, the drawing evokes themes of primal conflict, perhaps a mythological narrative involving transformation or transgression. The ambiguous nature of the figures – part human, part animal – suggests a blurring of boundaries between civilization and instinct, order and chaos. The violence depicted is not presented as heroic or noble; rather, it appears brutal and unsettling, hinting at darker aspects of human nature or the destructive power of unchecked desire. The overall effect is one of intense psychological drama conveyed through simplified forms and expressive linework.